hedge·hog (h j hôg , -h g)n. 1. Any of several small insectivorous mammals of the family Erinaceidae of Europe, Africa, and Asia, having the back covered with dense erectile spines and characteristically rolling into a ball for protection. 2. Any of several spiny animals, such as the porcupine, that are similar to the hedgehog. 3. A well fortified military position. 4. An antisubmarine weapon consisting of several rows of mortar-like dischargers positioned to fire in a circular pattern ahead of a ship. 5. An obstacle used against tanks and landing craft, consisting of three crossed iron bars welded or bolted together. |
hedgehog [ˈhɛdʒˌhɒg]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) 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 adj erinaceous
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any other insectivores of the family Erinaceidae, such as the moon rat
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) US any of various other spiny animals, esp the porcupine
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  hedgehog - relatively large rodents with sharp erectile bristles mingled with the furquill - a stiff hollow protective spine on a porcupine or hedgehog gnawer, rodent - relatively small placental mammals having a single pair of constantly growing incisor teeth specialized for gnawing Old World porcupine - terrestrial porcupine New World porcupine - arboreal porcupine |
| 2. |  hedgehog - small nocturnal Old World mammal covered with both hair and protective spinesinsectivore - small insect-eating mainly nocturnal terrestrial or fossorial mammals Erinaceus, genus Erinaceus - type genus of the family Erinaceidae: hedgehogs quill - a stiff hollow protective spine on a porcupine or hedgehog |
hedgehog noun
Translations
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|