porcupine
word
Definition
A porcupine is a small animal with a round body covered in long, sharp spikes or quills that it uses to protect itself from predators.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly in scientific, educational, or documentary contexts; not a common pet or farm animal. Often confused with similar spiky animals like the hedgehog, but hedgehogs do not have detachable quills. Common collocations: 'porcupine quills', 'a baby porcupine', 'porcupine defense'.
Example Sentences
A porcupine has sharp quills on its back.
basic
The porcupine is eating some leaves.
basic
We saw a porcupine in the forest yesterday.
basic
Be careful, a porcupine will raise its quills if it feels threatened.
natural
It's not a good idea to touch a porcupine—those quills really hurt!
natural
A baby porcupine is called a porcupette.
natural