spinifex

noun

spi·​ni·​fex ˈspī-nə-ˌfeks How to pronounce spinifex (audio)
: any of several Australian grasses (genera Spinifex and Triodia) with spiny seeds or stiff sharp leaves

Examples of spinifex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The elusive species creates tunnels and nests in dense spinifex bushes and emerges at night to forage for seeds. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Sep. 2024 The spinifex hopping mouse’s record-holding pee reaches concentrations over 9,000 milliosmoles per kilogram of water — that’s 10 times greater than what’s typical for humans. Jason P. Dinh, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2022 Komatiite lava from the Komati River Valley in South Africa, showing the spinifex texture typical for these lavas. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2016 During rare years with sustained downpours, moist swales are carpeted with spiky spinifex grasses that take on the appearance of fields of golden wheat. John Pickrell, Science | AAAS, 11 Aug. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin spina + facere to make — more at do

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinifex was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near spinifex

Cite this Entry

“Spinifex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinifex. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

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