Background for porcupines
BeDict Logo

porcupines

/ˈpɔːrkjupaɪnz/ /ˈpɔːrkjəpaɪnz/

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

startled verb

/ˈstɑːt.l̩d/ /ˈstɑɹt.l̩d/

To move suddenly, or be excited, on feeling alarm; to start.

"a horse that startles easily"

Illustration defensively

defensively adverb

/dɪˈfɛnsɪvli/

In a defensive manner.

"When asked about the missing cookies, he answered defensively, claiming he hadn't seen them. "

Illustration quills

quills noun

/kwɪlz/

The lower shaft of a feather, specifically the region lacking barbs.

"After plucking the chicken, I noticed that the quills were still embedded in its skin, making it difficult to get a smooth surface. "

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. "