prick·ly 
/ˈprɪkli/ adjective
prick·li·er; prick·li·est /ˈprɪkli/ adjective 1 : having many sharp points
▪ a prickly cactus/bush ▪ The plant's leaves are prickly. 2 a : caused or seeming to be caused by something that has many small, sharp points
▪ a prickly feeling/sensation
b : causing a prickly feeling on your skin
▪ a prickly wool sweater 3 : very difficult or complicated : requiring careful treatment
▪ a prickly [=sensitive] issue ▪ a prickly [=thorny] question 4 : easily annoyed or angered
▪ He's a prickly old man. ▪ a prickly [=touchy] personality
▪ a prickly cactus/bush ▪ The plant's leaves are prickly.
▪ a prickly feeling/sensation
b : causing a prickly feeling on your skin
▪ a prickly wool sweater
▪ a prickly [=sensitive] issue ▪ a prickly [=thorny] question
▪ He's a prickly old man. ▪ a prickly [=touchy] personality
— prick·li·ness noun [noncount]
