The term BRIER is composed of three words: PIPE, THORN, and ERICA. PIPE is a four-letter word meaning a tube or conduit for conveying a liquid, gas, or finely divided solid. THORN is a five-letter word meaning a sharp protective spine on a plant, or something that causes distress or annoyance. ERICA is a five-letter word meaning any of several evergreen shrubs of the genus ERICA, which are native to Europe and Africa and have small bell-shaped flowers. Together, these three words form the term BRIER, which is a type of shrub with prickly stems and leaves.