spinifex

[spahy-nuh-feks]

noun, plural spi·ni·fex, spi·ni·fex·es.

any of several Australian grasses of the genera Spinifex, Plectrachne, or Triodia, having spiny seeds and stiff, sharp-pointed leaves that grow in dense masses.

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Examples from the Web for spinifex

Historical Examples of spinifex

To the North, South, and East nothing but spinifex sand-hills in sight.
Explorations in Australia
John Forrest
We turned east for ten miles to a range, which we found to be covered with spinifex.
Explorations in Australia
John Forrest
The flats are very grassy, but the hills are covered with spinifex.
Explorations in Australia
John Forrest
The view was very extensive but not promising--spinifex being in every direction.
Explorations in Australia
John Forrest
Spinifex in every direction, and the country very miserable and unpromising.
Explorations in Australia
John Forrest

British Dictionary definitions for spinifex

spinifex

noun

Also called: porcupine grass Australian any of various coarse spiny-leaved inland grasses of the genus Triodia

any grass of the SE Asian genus Spinifex, having pointed leaves and spiny seed heads: often planted to bind loose sand

Word Origin for spinifex

C19: from New Latin, from Latin spīna a thorn + -fex maker, from facere to make

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012