Prickle
/ˈprɪkəl/noun
A small, sharp projection on a plant, animal, or surface that can pierce or irritate the skin.
Did you know?Prickle is related to the old Germanic vocabulary of piercing and pointed tools, linking a rose’s tiny spine to words such as “pick” and “spike.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*prik-
“To prick, pierce, or make a sharp point; a reconstructed Germanic root.”
Old English
Old English
pric
“A point or prick; something sharp.”
Old English
Old English
pricel
“A small sharp point or prickle; formed as a diminutive of pric.”
Middle English
Middle English
prikel
“A small sharp projection or thornlike point.”
14th Century
English
prickle
“A small pointed projection, especially on a plant or animal.”
Modern English
English
prickle
“A small sharp projection or a tingling, irritating sensation.”