porcupine Definition
- 1a large rodent with defensive spines or quills on the body and tail
- 2a portable device that sends out high-voltage electric shocks used for self-defense
Using porcupine: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "porcupine" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The porcupine is a nocturnal animal.
Example
Porcupines are herbivores and eat leaves, bark, and stems of plants.
Example
The porcupine's quills are sharp and can be dangerous.
Example
The porcupine is known for its unique defense mechanism.
porcupine Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with porcupine
porcupine's dilemma
a metaphor describing a situation where two people are afraid to get too close to each other because they might hurt each other, similar to how porcupines avoid hurting others with their quills
Example
Their relationship was like the porcupine's dilemma; they were both afraid to get too close to each other.
a kiss that is brief and only touches the lips, similar to how a porcupine's quills only touch the skin briefly
Example
He gave her a quick porcupine kiss before leaving for work.
a strategy of providing for oneself without relying on others, similar to how a porcupine protects itself with its quills
Example
After losing his job, he went into porcupine provision mode and started living off the land.
Origins of porcupine
from Old French 'porc espin', meaning 'spiny pig'
Summary: porcupine in Brief
A 'porcupine' [ˈpɔːkjʊpaɪn] is a large rodent with spines or quills on the body and tail. It is nocturnal and herbivorous, and known for its unique defense mechanism. The term extends into phrases like 'porcupine's dilemma,' describing a situation where two people are afraid to get too close to each other, and 'porcupine provision,' referring to a strategy of providing for oneself without relying on others.
