Definitions for: Hedgehog


[n] small nocturnal Old World mammal covered with both hair and protective spines
[n] relatively large rodents with sharp erectile bristles mingled with the fur



Webster (1913) Definition: Hedge"hog`, n.
1. (Zo["o]l.) A small European insectivore ({Erinaceus
Europ[ae]us}), and other allied species of Asia and
Africa, having the hair on the upper part of its body
mixed with prickles or spines. It is able to roll itself
into a ball so as to present the spines outwardly in every
direction. It is nocturnal in its habits, feeding chiefly
upon insects.

2. (Zo["o]l.) The Canadian porcupine.[U.S]

3. (Bot.) A species of Medicago (M. intertexta), the pods
of which are armed with short spines; -- popularly so
called. --Loudon.

4. A form of dredging machine. --Knight.

Hedgehog caterpillar (Zo["o]l.), the hairy larv[ae] of
several species of bombycid moths, as of the Isabella
moth. It curls up like a hedgehog when disturbed. See
Woolly bear, and Isabella moth.

Hedgehog fish (Zo["o]l.), any spinose plectognath fish,
esp. of the genus Diodon; the porcupine fish.

Hedgehog grass (Bot.), a grass with spiny involucres,
growing on sandy shores; burgrass ({Cenchrus
tribuloides}).

Hedgehog rat (Zo["o]l.), one of several West Indian
rodents, allied to the porcupines, but with ratlike tails,
and few quills, or only stiff bristles. The hedgehog rats
belong to Capromys, Plagiodon, and allied genera.

Hedgehog shell (Zo["o]l.), any spinose, marine, univalve
shell of the genus Murex.

Hedgehog thistle (Bot.), a plant of the Cactus family,
globular in form, and covered with spines
(Echinocactus).

Sea hedgehog. See Diodon.


Hedge"hog`, n. (Elec.)
A variety of transformer with open magnetic circuit, the ends
of the iron wire core being turned outward and presenting a
bristling appearance, whence the name.

Synonyms: Erinaceus europaeus, Erinaceus europeaeus, porcupine

See Also: Erinaceus, genus Erinaceus, gnawer, gnawing animal, insectivore, New World porcupine, Old World porcupine, quill, rodent

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