prickle

[ prik-uhl ]

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.

verb (used with object)

, prick·led, prick·ling.

1. to prick lightly.
2. to cause a pricking or tingling sensation in.

verb (used without object)

, prick·led, prick·ling.

1. to tingle as if pricked.

prickle

/ ˈprɪkəl /

noun

1. See thorn
   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

verb

1. to feel or cause to feel a stinging sensation
2. tr to prick, as with a thorn

Other Words From

• un·prickled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prickle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prickle¹

Old English pricel; related to Middle Low German prekel, German Prickel

Example Sentences

For an hour or two, exile became a notion rather than a perpetual prickle in the stomach.

From The Daily Beast

Variable œdema of the prickle layer and of the cutis is found.

From Project Gutenberg

I felt the prickle of my skin, the stiffening of my hair, as well as the cold tingling thrills along my veins.

From Project Gutenberg

The wild Dog-rose is still the "canker" in the speech of the old people, and a thorn or prickle is still a "bush."

From Project Gutenberg

Sane as Kenset was, as cool and self-contained, he could not repress a cold prickle of resentment at that memory.

From Project Gutenberg

Fake though he knew it to be, Cleek could not repress a swift rush and prickle of "goose-flesh" at sight of it.

From Project Gutenberg