Erinaceus

/ˌɛrɪˈneɪʃəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of hedgehogs, including the common European hedgehog widely found across Europe and introduced elsewhere.

Etymology

From Latin erinaceus (hedgehog, from Greek echinos). The scientific genus name directly preserves the ancient Roman word for this animal.

Kelly Says

The Latin word for hedgehog sounds like 'erinaceus'—the Romans literally just looked at the spiky animal and named it based on what they saw!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.