spi·ni·fex (sp  n -f ks )n. Any of various clump-forming, perennial Australian grasses, chiefly of the genus Triodia, growing in arid regions and having awl-shaped, pointed leaves. [New Latin Sp nifex, former genus name : Latin spna, thorn + Latin -fex; see dh - in Indo-European roots.] |
spinifex [ˈspɪnɪˌfɛks]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) Also called porcupine grass Austral any of various coarse spiny-leaved inland grasses of the genus Triodia
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any grass of the SE Asian genus Spinifex, having pointed leaves and spiny seed heads: often planted to bind loose sand
[from New Latin, from Latin spīna a thorn + -fex maker, from facere to make]
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