prickle

American  

[prik-uhl] / ˈprɪk əl /

noun

1. a sharp point.

2. a small, pointed process growing from the bark of a plant.

3. a sharp process or projection, as from the skin of an animal; a spine.

4. a pricking sensation.

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verb (used with object)

prickled, prickling

1. to prick lightly.

2. to cause a pricking or tingling sensation in.

verb (used without object)

prickled, prickling

1. to tingle as if pricked.

prickle British  

/ ˈprɪkəl /

noun

1. botany a pointed process arising from the outer layer of a stem, leaf, etc, and containing no woody or conducting tissue Compare thorn

2. a pricking or stinging sensation

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verb

1. to feel or cause to feel a stinging sensation

2. (tr) to prick, as with a thorn

Other Word Forms

• unprickled adjective

Etymology

Origin of prickle

before 950; Middle English prykel (noun), Old English pricel. See prick, -le

Example Sentences

In return he tried to make their lives comfortable, learning to cure their ills, treating their cuts and bruises as his mother treated his, combing burrs and prickles from their woolly coats.

From Literature

A prickle of horror ran down the back of his neck and into his arms and legs.

From Literature

“There was the flash of a million suns. Then the heat prickled my eyes like needles.”

From Literature

As the train departs and shadowy London pinches smaller behind us, a chill prickles at the back of my neck.

From Literature

My face prickles as I turn back to the woman.

From Literature