Definitions

1. adjective

covered in prickles or thorns

“The aculeate stems made it difficult to climb the cactus.”

2. verb

to equip or furnish with prickles or thorns

“The botanist decided to aculeate the plant to make it more defensive.”

3. verb

to pierce or prick, especially with a sharp point

“The insect’s aculeate stinger was capable of injecting venom.”