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porcupine

/ˈpɔː(ɹ)kjʊˌpaɪn/

Meanings
noun
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.

Examples :

"The porcupine huddled in the bushes, its quills bristling with fear. "
animal nature organism biology

Related Words

Illustration families

families noun

/ˈfæməliz/

A group of people who are closely related to one another (by blood, marriage or adoption); kin; for example, a set of parents and their children; an immediate family.

"Our family lives in town."

Illustration spines

spines noun

/spaɪnz/

The series of bones situated at the back from the head to the pelvis of a person, or from the head to the tail of an animal; backbone, vertebral column.

"The doctor examined the patient's spines for any signs of injury after the car accident. "

Illustration surprised

surprised verb

/səˈpɹaɪzd/

To cause (someone) to feel unusually alarmed or delighted by something unexpected.

"It surprises me that I owe twice as much as I thought I did."

Illustration several

several noun

/ˈsɛv(ə)ɹəl/

An area of land in private ownership (as opposed to common land).

"The family owns several, a small plot of land behind their house. "

Illustration attacked

attacked verb

/əˈtækt/

To apply violent force to someone or something.

"This species of snake will only attack humans if it feels threatened."

Illustration porcupines

porcupines noun

/ˈpɔːrkjupaɪnz/ /ˈpɔːrkjəpaɪnz/

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.

"The porcupines were startled by the loud noise and raised their sharp quills defensively. "

Illustration huddled

huddled verb

/ˈhʌdl̩d/

To crowd together.

"The sheep huddled together seeking warmth."

Illustration bristling

bristling verb

/ˈbrɪslɪŋ/ /ˈbrɪzlɪŋ/

To rise or stand erect, like bristles.

"The cat was bristling, its fur standing on end, when the dog barked loudly. "

Illustration either

either adverb

/ˈaɪð.ə(ɹ)/

(after a negative) As well.

"My parents didn't want me to go to the party, and neither did my friends. "

Illustration infraorder

infraorder noun

/ˌɪnfrəˈɔːrdər/ /ˌɪnfrəˈɔːrdɚ/

A taxonomic category below suborder and above superfamily.

"In the classification of primates, the infraorder Haplorhini sits between the suborder Strepsirrhini and the superfamily Tarsioidea. "

Illustration rodents

rodents noun

/ˈroʊdənts/ /ˈroʊdəns/

A mammal of the order Rodentia, characterized by long incisors that grow continuously and are worn down by gnawing.

"Farmers often worry about rodents like mice and rats eating their crops. "

Illustration taxonomic

taxonomic adjective

/ˌtæksəˈnɑmɪk/ /ˌtæksəˈnɒmɪk/

Of, or relating to taxonomy.

"The taxonomic classification of animals helps scientists understand their evolutionary relationships. "