Definitions

1. verb

to cause (plants) to produce or spread spines or thorns

“The plant spines will spinate in response to drought conditions.”

2. verb

to become or cause to become spiny or prickly

“As the plant matures, it will spinate and become difficult to handle.”

3. noun

a spiny or prickly part of a plant, especially one that develops in response to environmental stress

“The gardener noticed the spinate growths on the plant’s stems.”