porcupine
UK: /ˈpɔː.kjʊ.paɪn/ | US: /ˈpɔːr.kjə.paɪn/
n. A large rodent covered with sharp spines or quills for defense.
porcupine = porc<spine/hog> + u + pine<quill>
- porc (from Old French porc, meaning "hog" or "pig," derived from Latin porcus)
- u (a linking vowel with no standalone meaning)
- pine (from Old French espine, meaning "thorn" or "quill," derived from Latin spina)
Etymology Origin:
The word "porcupine" originates from Old French porc espin (literally "spiny pig"), reflecting the animal’s bristly appearance resembling a pig with quills. Over time, the spelling merged into "porcupine" in English, retaining the combined imagery of a hog-like creature (porc) armed with sharp spines (pine). This etymology highlights the medieval European tendency to name unfamiliar animals by comparing them to familiar ones (e.g., "hedgehog" follows a similar logic).
The porcupine raised its quills when threatened.
Hikers should avoid startling a porcupine to prevent injury.
Porcupines are nocturnal and primarily herbivorous.
The zookeeper carefully handled the porcupine with thick gloves.
A porcupine’s quills detach easily but cannot be "shot" as myths suggest.