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Porcupine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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porcupine

[หˆpษ”rkษชหŒpaษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal type

A porcupine is a large rodent known for its coat of sharp spines, or quills, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. These creatures are mostly nocturnal and are found in forests, grasslands, and other habitats across the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia. Porcupines are herbivorous, primarily feeding on leaves, fruits, and bark. They can also climb trees quite well, which aids in foraging for food. When threatened, porcupines may rattle their quills or charge backward to drive them into an attacker.

Synonyms

porky, quill pig, thorny creature.

Examples of usage

  • The porcupine climbed the tree quickly.
  • He was surprised to find a porcupine in his backyard.
  • Porcupines eat mostly bark and leaves.
  • The porcupine's quills can deter most predators.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Habitat

  • Porcupines are primarily found in North America, South America, and parts of Africa and Asia, thriving in forests and grasslands.
  • They are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night, making nighttime their special adventure time!

Defense Mechanism

  • When threatened, a porcupine will stand its ground and raise its quills to look bigger and more intimidating.
  • If a predator gets too close, the porcupine can actually shoot its quills, which detach easily and can stick into the attacker.

Diet

  • These animals are herbivores, meaning they mostly eat plants, bark, leaves, and even fruits.
  • During winter, they rely on tree bark as their food source, showcasing their adaptability to different seasons.

Cultural References

  • Porcupines are often depicted in folklore and children's stories, sometimes representing the idea of having defenses against challenges.
  • Theyโ€™ve been featured in cartoons and animated shows as friendly characters, showcasing both their charming and spiky sides.

Origin of 'porcupine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'porcupine' comes from the Latin 'porcus' meaning pig and 'spina' meaning spine, highlighting its spiky features.
  • In some languages, the term for porcupine translates to 'spiny pig', emphasizing its appearance and characteristics.

The word 'porcupine' comes from the Middle French word 'porc espin', which means 'spined pig'. This term reflects the animal's physical characteristics, specifically its quills that resemble spines. The term can be traced back to the Latin 'porcus', meaning 'pig', and 'spina', meaning 'thorn' or 'spine'. Porcupines belong to the family Erethizontidae and have a long history, with evidence of their existence dating back to the late Cenozoic era. Over time, the name has evolved into its modern form while retaining its association with the animal's unique appearance and behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,706, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.