Porcupine Meaning
/ˈpɔː(ɹ)kjʊˌpaɪn/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAny of several rodents of either of the taxonomic families Hystricidae (Old World porcupines) or Erethizontidae (New World porcupines), both from the infraorder Hystricognathi, noted for their sharp spines or quills, which are raised when the animal is attacked or surprised.
Sentence Examples
I live with a porcupine.
What's the difference between a hedgehog and a porcupine?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
When a predator approaches, the small mammal covered in sharp quills called a ____ raises them.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ raised its sharp quills as a warning when the dog approached too closely.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English porke despyne, from Old French porc-espin, from Latin porcus (“pig”) + spinus (“spine”), hence also spine pig. Cognate with Spanish puercoespín, Italian porcospino, Portuguese porco-espinho.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I have no evidence of grizzlies killing porcupines or vice versa. However, occasionally there is contact and sometimes a grizzly is injured or a porcupine killed, but the latter is rare."
— 1981, Adolph Murie, The Grizzlies of Mount McKinley, page 218:
"In particular, porcupines, hyenas, and leopards are known in Africa to transport bones to particular places."
— 2010, Richard Potts, Early Hominid Activities at Olduvai, page 81:
"Old World porcupines (Hystricidae) have quills embedded in clusters, whereas in New World porcupines (Erethizontidae) single quills are interspersed with bristles, underfur, and hair. No porcupine can throw its quills, but they detach easily and will remain embedded in an attacker."
— 2011, John P. Rafferty, Rats, Bats, and Xenarthrans, page 113:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
When a predator approaches, the small mammal covered in sharp quills called a ____ raises them.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ raised its sharp quills as a warning when the dog approached too closely.