porcupine
/ˈpɔː(ɹ)kjʊˌpaɪn/ · noun
Meaning
- 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.