porcupine

plural porcupines · alternative obsolete porpentine · alternative obsolete porpintine

1. Any of several rodents of either of the taxonomic families Hystricidae (Old World porcupines) or Erethizontidae (New World porcupines), both from the infraorder Hystricognathi, noted for their sharp spines or quills, which are raised when the animal is attacked or surprised.

   In particular, porcupines, hyenas, and leopards are known in Africa to transport bones to particular places.

   2010, Richard Potts, Early Hominid Activities at Olduvai, page 81

   2 more examples

   I have no evidence of grizzlies killing porcupines or vice versa. However, occasionally there is contact and sometimes a grizzly is injured or a porcupine killed, but the latter is rare.

   1981, Adolph Murie, The Grizzlies of Mount McKinley, page 218

   Old World porcupines (Hystricidae) have quills embedded in clusters, whereas in New World porcupines (Erethizontidae) single quills are interspersed with bristles, underfur, and hair. No porcupine can throw its quills, but they detach easily and will remain embedded in an attacker.

   2011, John P. Rafferty, Rats, Bats, and Xenarthrans, page 113

   Synonyms: spine pig, porky

2. AustraliadatedAn echidna.