bristly

Bristly is an adjective that describes a surface or texture characterized by numerous stiff hairs or projections. Objects that are bristly feel rough or prickly to the touch, and living things described as bristly may have coarse fur, spines, or other hair-like structures. The term is used across everyday language and scientific descriptions in fields such as botany and zoology.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed from the noun bristle plus the suffix -y, and has been in English since at least the Middle English period. It is closely related to bristled, and in some contexts the two can be used interchangeably, though bristly often emphasizes a persistently rough texture.

Examples: Plants may have bristly leaves or stems with stiff hairs that deter herbivores. Some seeds have bristly coats to aid dispersal. Animals may be described as bristly when their fur or setae are coarse and feel scratchy, such as a bristly bearded animal or a bristly caterpillar. In everyday speech, people refer to a bristly beard or a bristly brush to convey roughness.

Related terms: Include bristle (the noun), bristleness, and prickly; bristly differs from soft or fluffy textures in implying stiffness or prickliness.