hedgehog
[ hej-hog, -hawg ]
/ ˈhɛdʒˌhɒg, -ˌhɔg /
noun
an Old World, insect-eating mammal of the genus Erinaceus, especially E. europaeus, having spiny hairs on the back and sides.
the porcupine.
Military.
- a portable obstacle made of crossed logs in the shape of an hourglass, usually laced with barbed wire.
- an obstructive device consisting of steel bars, angle irons, etc., usually embedded in concrete, designed to damage and impede the boats and tanks of a landing force on a beach.
Origin of hedgehog
OTHER WORDS FROM hedgehog
hedge·hog·gy, adjectiveWords nearby hedgehog
hedge mustard,
hedge nettle,
hedge one's bets,
hedge sparrow,
hedge-school,
hedgehog,
hedgehog cactus,
hedgehop,
hedger,
hedgerow,
hedging
Example sentences from the Web for hedgehog
British Dictionary definitions for hedgehog
hedgehog
/ (ˈhɛdʒˌhɒɡ) /
noun
any small nocturnal Old World mammal of the genus Erinaceus, such as E. europaeus, and related genera, having a protective covering of spines on the back: family Erinaceidae, order Insectivora (insectivores)
Related adjective: erinaceous
any other insectivore of the family Erinaceidae, such as the moon rat
US
any of various other spiny animals, esp the porcupine