dictionary.pt

dictionary.pt

porcupine

nounmasculinegeneral usecommon/ˈpoɾku ʃˈpiɲu/por·co-es·pi·nho

Definition

1

A rodent mammal (family Hystricidae or Erethizontidae) whose back is covered with long, sharp spines used for defense.

Usage examples

The porcupine uses its quills to deter predators.
We saw a porcupine climbing a tree.

Common combinations

porcupine quillsNorth American porcupinecrested porcupine