Background for hedgehog

hedgehog

/ˈhɛdʒhɒɡ/

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noun

A small mammal, of the family Erinaceidae or subfamily Erinaceinae (spiny hedgehog, the latter characterized by their spiny back and often by the habit of rolling up into a ball when attacked.)

Examples :

"The gardener was careful not to step on the hedgehog scurrying through the flower bed. "

animal biology nature

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noun

Any of several spiny mammals, such as the porcupine, that are similar to the hedgehog.

Examples :

"The vet explained that while a porcupine isn't technically a hedgehog, it's a type of "hedgehog" because of its spiny coat and similar appearance. "

animal nature organism biology

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noun

A type of moveable military barricade made from crossed logs or steel bars, laced with barbed wire, used to damage or impede tanks and vehicles; Czech hedgehog.

Examples :

"The army deployed a hedgehog to block the path of the enemy tanks. "

military vehicle weapon war technology

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noun

Examples :

"During World War II, the Allied navy used the hedgehog to attack German submarines by launching a pattern of explosive charges into the water. "

military weapon nautical war technology history machine

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noun

A type of chocolate cake (or slice), somewhat similar to an American brownie.

Examples :

""For dessert, I chose the hedgehog from the bakery, hoping it would be as fudgy and chocolatey as a good brownie." "

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noun

A form of dredging machine.

Examples :

"The construction crew used the hedgehog to dredge the muddy riverbed, clearing debris before building the bridge supports. "

machine nautical

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noun

Certain flowering plants with parts resembling a member of family Erinaceidae

Examples :

"The gardener pointed out a peculiar variety of aster, calling it a "hedgehog" because its spiky seed head reminded her of the small, prickly animal. "

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noun

The edible fungus Hydnum repandum.

Examples :

"We foraged in the forest and found enough hedgehog mushrooms for a delicious meal. "

food biology nature plant vegetable

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noun

A kind of electrical transformer with open magnetic circuit, the ends of the iron wire core being turned outward and presenting a bristling appearance.

Examples :

"The old radio repair manual showed a diagram of a hedgehog transformer, its splayed wires resembling the animal's quills. "

technology electronics machine electric physics science

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noun

A way of serving food at a party, consisting of a half melon or potato etc. with individual cocktail sticks of cheese and pineapple stuck into it.

Examples :

"At the children's birthday party, the hedgehog made of half a watermelon and filled with cheese and grape skewers was the most popular snack. "

food utensil entertainment

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verb

To make use of a hedgehog barricade as a defensive maneuver.

Examples :

"Facing the snowball onslaught, the children hedgehogged, quickly piling their backpacks and lunchboxes into a makeshift wall for protection. "

military action war

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verb

To array with spiky projections like the quills of a hedgehog.

Examples :

"The gardener hedged the rose bushes with thorny branches to keep the rabbits away. "

animal appearance nature

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verb

To curl up into a defensive ball.

Examples :

"When threatened by the loud noise, the scared child hedgehogged in his bed, pulling the blankets tightly around himself. "

animal action nature biology