A porcupine is a small to medium-sized animal covered with sharp quills that stick out from its body for protection. When threatened, it raises its quills to scare away predators.
From Middle French *porc-espin* “spiny pig,” from Latin *porcus* “pig” and a word for “thorn” or “spine.” English reshaped the sounds into *porcupine* over time.
Try Another Word