hedgehog
['hɛdʒ`hɑg]
n. 豪猪, 刺猬, , 森严



hedgehog
[ noun ]

1. relatively large rodents with sharp erectile bristles mingled with the fur

<noun.animal>

2. small nocturnal Old World mammal covered with both hair and protective spines

<noun.animal>

Hedgehog \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} ({Medicago intertexta}),
the pods of which are armed with short spines; --
popularly so called. --Loudon.

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

5. (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.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]

6. (Mil.) a defensive obstacle having pointed barbs extending
outward, such as one composed of crossed logs with barbed
wire wound around them, or a tangle of steel beams
embedded in concrete used to impede or damage landing
craft on a beach; also, a position well-fortified with
such defensive obstacles.
[PJC]

{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}.