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Urchin: meaning, definitions and examples

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urchin

 

[ ˈəːtʃɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sea creature

An urchin is a small, spiny sea creature that typically lives in rocky areas along the ocean floor. Urchins are known for their round shape and sharp spines, which they use for protection against predators.

Synonyms

echinoid, sea urchin

Examples of usage

  • Have you ever seen an urchin in a tide pool?
  • The diver carefully avoided stepping on the urchins hiding among the rocks.
Context #2 | Noun

child

In informal British English, an urchin is a young child, especially one who is poorly dressed or unkempt. The term is often used affectionately to refer to a mischievous or endearing child.

Synonyms

ragamuffin, street child

Examples of usage

  • The little urchin ran around the playground with a big smile on his face.
  • She always had a soft spot for the neighborhood urchins.

Translations

Translations of the word "urchin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ouriço

🇮🇳 समुद्री साही

🇩🇪 Seeigel

🇮🇩 bulu babi

🇺🇦 морський їжак

🇵🇱 jeżowiec

🇯🇵 ウニ

🇫🇷 oursin

🇪🇸 erizo de mar

🇹🇷 deniz kestanesi

🇰🇷 성게

🇸🇦 قنفذ البحر

🇨🇿 mořský ježek

🇸🇰 morský ježko

🇨🇳 海胆

🇸🇮 morski ježek

🇮🇸 ígelkarl

🇰🇿 теңіз кірпісі

🇬🇪 ზღვის ზღარბი

🇦🇿 dəniz kirpisi

🇲🇽 erizo de mar

Etymology

The word 'urchin' has a fascinating history that dates back to Middle English. Originally, 'urchin' referred to a hedgehog, based on its spiky appearance. Over time, the term evolved to also describe spiny sea creatures and mischievous children. The use of 'urchin' to refer to a child highlights the contrast between innocence and wildness, much like the hedgehog's dual nature as both cute and prickly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,541, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.