Hedgehog Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฆ
hedgehog
[หhษdสhษษก ]
Definitions
animal
A hedgehog is a small spiny mammal with short legs, found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is known for its protective spines and habit of rolling into a ball when threatened.
Synonyms
prickly pig.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hedgehog |
Refers to the small mammal with spines on its back. Commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts to denote the animal.
|
| prickly pig |
A colloquial or humorous term for a hedgehog, emphasizing its spiny nature. Not used in formal contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- I saw a hedgehog in the garden last night.
- Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals.
- The hedgehog curled up into a ball when the dog approached.
gardening
A hedgehog is also a small barrier or boundary made of closely planted bushes or trees.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hedgehog |
Use it twice mistakenly.
|
| hedgerow |
Refers to a line of closely spaced shrubs or trees, typically used to form a boundary or fence. Often used in discussions about gardening, agriculture, or countryside scenery.
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Examples of usage
- I want to plant a hedgehog to separate the garden from the driveway.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Habitat and Behavior
- Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are active at night when it's cooler and quieter.
- They can hibernate in colder months, slowing down their metabolism to survive on stored body fat.
- In the wild, these animals mainly eat insects, snails, and small worms, playing an important role in local ecosystems.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, hedgehogs represent good luck and protection, often appearing in folklore.
- The character Sonic the Hedgehog became an iconic figure in the video game world, promoting speed and adventure.
- Hedgehogs are often featured in childrenโs literature, symbolizing the importance of caring for the environment.
Physical Characteristics
- An adult hedgehog can weigh between 1 to 2.5 kg, with a body length of about 24 to 30 cm.
- They have 5,000 to 6,000 quills on their backs, which serve as protection against predators.
- A hedgehog's spines are actually modified hairs and can be easily lost and regrown throughout their lives.
Conservation Status
- In some areas, hedgehog populations are declining due to habitat loss, road traffic, and pesticides.
- Many conservation efforts are in place to protect hedgehogs, including creating wildlife corridors and safe habitats.
- In the UK, hedgehogs are a priority species in conservation, with campaigns aimed at raising awareness about their needs.
Origin of 'hedgehog'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'hedgehog' comes from Middle English 'heggehog', which means 'hedge' and 'hog', referring to its environment and pig-like appearance.
- In some languages, the word for hedgehog means 'the animal with the spines', emphasizing its unique physical characteristics.
- Historically, the name was given because hedgehogs are often found in gardens and hedges, contributing to pest control.
The word 'hedgehog' dates back to the 15th century and is a combination of 'hedge' and 'hog'. The 'hedge' part refers to the shrubbery hedges where hedgehogs were commonly found, while 'hog' is derived from the word 'pig', describing the animal's pig-like snout. Hedgehogs have been depicted in folklore and myths as both positive and negative symbols, symbolizing protection and danger in different cultures.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #26,085, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 26082 queueing
- 26083 glib
- 26084 downtrodden
- 26085 hedgehog
- 26086 perilously
- 26087 untie
- 26088 utensil
- ...