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Urchin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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urchin

[หˆษ™หtสƒษชn ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
urchin

When repeating 'urchin' in this list, note that it generally refers to a sea urchin in an informal context, especially in conversations about marine life or when speaking casually about sea creatures.

  • Watch your step, there are a lot of urchins in these tide pools
  • Kids were fascinated by the urchins they caught during their beach outing
sea urchin

Commonly used to describe spiny marine animals found commonly in oceans around the world. This term is used both in scientific contexts and everyday language when referring to the actual creature.

  • While snorkeling, we saw several colorful sea urchins clinging to the rocks
  • The chef prepared a dish featuring fresh sea urchin roe
echinoid

A scientific term used in biological or marine contexts to refer specifically to creatures belonging to the class Echinoidea, which includes sea urchins and their relatives.

  • The marine biologist studied the anatomy of the echinoid under the microscope
  • Fossils of ancient echinoids were found during the excavation

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
urchin

This word is often used to describe a mischievous or impish child, typically one from a poor background. It can have a somewhat quaint or old-fashioned tone.

  • The little urchin ran through the market, giggling as he evaded the merchant's grasp.
  • She remembered the urchins who used to play in the alleyways of her old neighborhood.
street child

This phrase is used in a more serious and socio-economic context, referring to a homeless or underprivileged child who lives or works on the streets. It is often used in discussions about poverty and social issues.

  • Many street children in the city rely on the charity of passersby to survive.
  • Organizations are working to provide education and shelter for street children around the world.
ragamuffin

This term refers to a child who is dressed in rags or very shabby clothes. It often implies a playful or affectionate tone, despite the child's appearance.

  • A group of ragamuffins gathered around the street performer, their eyes wide with wonder.
  • The orphanage was filled with smiling ragamuffins, all eager for their lunchtime meal.

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

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

Interesting Facts

Marine Biology

  • Sea urchins are part of the class Echinoidea and are closely related to starfish and sand dollars.
  • They play an important role in marine ecosystems, helping to maintain the health of coral reefs by grazing on algae.
  • There are about 950 species of sea urchins, showcasing a wide variety of colors and spines!

Cultural References

  • In popular culture, urchins often symbolize innocence or mischief, like the character 'Oliver Twist' who is considered an 'urchin' in Victorian literature.
  • In some childrenโ€™s stories, urchins represent the adventurous spirit found in young characters exploring the world.

Conservation

  • Some species of sea urchins are under threat due to overfishing and habitat loss, prompting conservation efforts.
  • They are crucial indicators of ocean health; scientists study their populations to monitor environmental conditions.

Culinary Uses

  • In many cuisines, especially Japanese, sea urchin is considered a delicacy, often served fresh in sushi.
  • The taste described as rich and briny is beloved by many food enthusiasts around the world.

Origin of 'urchin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'urchin' comes from the Middle English 'urchin', which means 'hedgehog' and was originally used as a slang term for mischievous children.
  • In older texts, 'urchin' referred to sea urchins, drawing a comparison due to their spiky appearance.

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.