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Vocabulary Entry
porcupine
|noun • verb
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N
noun
A porcupine is a large rodent known for its spiny quills that protect it from predators.
Example Sentences
"The porcupine climbed slowly up the tree."
"I spotted a porcupine foraging for food in the woods."
"Porcupines are mostly nocturnal and can be found in various habitats."
V
verb
To porcupine is not an established verb in English; however, in a figurative sense, it could mean to become defensive or to protect oneself using quills (a metaphorical usage).
Example Sentences
"When criticized, she tended to porcupine, withdrawing from the conversation."
"He would porcupine whenever the topic of his mistakes came up."
"In tough situations, it's common for people to porcupine as a defense mechanism."