porcupine

English

/ˈpɔː(ɹ)kjʊˌpaɪn/

noun
Definitions
  • Any 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.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English porke despyne derived from Old French porc-espin derived from Latin porcus (pig, domestic hog, pork, domesticated hog).

Origin

Latin

porcus

Gloss

pig, domestic hog, pork, domesticated hog

Concept
Semantic Field

Animals

Ontological Category

Classifier

Kanji

Emoji
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Timeline

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