thorn
/θɔ:n; θɔrn/ n
1 [C] sharp pointed growth on the stem of a plant （植物的）刺, 棘刺
The thorns on the roses scratched her hands. 玫瑰上的刺把她的手划了. =>illus at App 1 见附录1插图, page ii.
2 [C, U] (usu in compounds 通常用以构成复合词) thorny tree or shrub 带刺的树; 荆棘: `hawthorn 山楂
`blackthorn 黑刺李 * [attrib 作定语]
a thorn hedge 荆刺树篱.
3 (idm 习语) a thorn in one's flesh/side person or thing that continually annoys or hinders one 不断惹人烦恼或造成妨碍的人或事物
He's been a thorn in my side ever since he joined this department. 他自从到了这个部门就总让我不得安生.