despine

Definitions

To remove the spines from a plant.

Examples

“Three specimens are partially decorticated. One of these items is not longitudinally split⟳ but is despined while another is longitudinally split⟳ into quarters and is despined. The last⟳ Yucca thomsoniana specimen is longitudinally split⟳ into less than quarter-sized segments and is despined.”

“Prickly pears, known as tunas in Spanish, produce⟳ deliciously juicy fruits. They are sometimes available in Southwestern markets, or can be picked straight off the plants—but take⟳ care not to prick your fingers on the spines. (Those for sale in stores have⟳ been despined.)”

“The carrot seed is first put⟳ through a despining machine, where the spine is broken through some sort⟳ of rubbing action.”

CEFR level