hedgehog
/ˈhɛd͡ʒ.hɔɡ/ noun C1- A small mammal of the subfamily Erinaceinae, characterized by their spiny back and often by the habit of rolling up into a ball when attacked, native to Afro-Eurasia.
- Any of several spiny mammals, such as the porcupine, that are similar to the hedgehog.
- A spigot mortar-type of depth charge weapon from World War II that simultaneously fires a number of explosives into the water to create a pattern of underwater explosions intended to attack submerged submarines.
- A form of dredging machine.
- Medicago intertexta, the pods of which are armed with short spines.
- Retzia capensis of South Africa.
- The edible fungus Hydnum repandum.
- A kind of electrical transformer with open magnetic circuit, the ends of the iron wire core being turned outward and presenting a bristling appearance.
Plural hedgehogs
From the library
## The Fox and the Hedgehog
A Hedgehog, passing by, saw his anguish and inquired if he should drive away the flies that were tormenting him.
“By no means,” replied the Fox; “pray do not molest them.” “How is this?” said the Hedgehog; “do you not want to be rid of them?” “No,” returned the Fox, “for these flies which you see are full of blood, and sting me but little, and if you rid me of these which are already satiated, others more hungry will come in their place, and will drink up all the blood I have left.”
Alice thought she had never seen such a curious croquet-ground in her life; it was all ridges and furrows; the balls were live hedgehogs, the mallets live flamingoes, and the soldiers had to double themselves up and to stand on their hands and feet, to make the arches.
Other matches
Learn hedgehog in real texts
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