hedgehog
[ hej-hog, -hawg ]
/ ˈhɛdʒˌhɒg, -ˌhɔg /
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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.
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Origin of hedgehog
OTHER WORDS FROM hedgehog
hedgehoggy, adjectiveWords nearby hedgehog
hedera, hedge, hedge apple, hedge fund, hedge garlic, hedgehog, hedgehog cactus, hedgehop, hedge hyssop, hedge laying, hedge mustard
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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