Quilled: meaning, definitions and examples

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quilled

 

[ kwɪld ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical description

The term 'quilled' describes something that is equipped with quills, which are the sharp, stiff hairs or spines found on certain animals, notably porcupines. These quills serve as a defense mechanism, allowing the animal to deter potential predators. When something is described as quilled, it often pertains to the texture or the physical characteristics that resemble the pointed nature of these quills. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe anything that has a sharp or spiky appearance.

Synonyms

barbed, prickly, spiked

Examples of usage

  • The quilled surface of the porcupine is an effective defense.
  • She wore a quilled dress that caught the light beautifully.
  • The artist used quilled paper to create intricate designs.
  • The quilled hedgehog rolled into a ball for protection.

Translations

Translations of the word "quilled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 com penas

🇮🇳 क़िल्ड

🇩🇪 gekräuselt

🇮🇩 dengan duri

🇺🇦 з обплетенням

🇵🇱 wypchany

🇯🇵 羽毛で覆われた

🇫🇷 quillé

🇪🇸 con plumas

🇹🇷 tüylerle kaplı

🇰🇷 깃털로 덮인

🇸🇦 مغطاة بالريش

🇨🇿 s peřím

🇸🇰 s pierkami

🇨🇳 带羽毛的

🇸🇮 s perjem

🇮🇸 me fjöðrum

🇰🇿 құстың қауырсынымен

🇬🇪 საზღვარი

🇦🇿 quş lələyi ilə

🇲🇽 con plumas

Etymology

The word 'quilled' is derived from 'quill', which comes from the Old French 'cuilla', meaning 'a feather'. This term is related to the Latin word 'penna', also meaning 'feather' or 'wing'. Historically, quills were used as writing instruments, being made from feathers, particularly from larger birds. The adaptation of the term to describe spines or needles of animals likely emerged from the similarities in appearance between feathers and the external parts of certain animals. Over time, 'quilled' has evolved to depict not only the physical characteristics of creatures but also to signify materials and designs that resemble quills, extending its usage into fashion and art.