hedgehog

/ˈhɛd͡ʒ.hɒɡ/noun
ElementaryNot in standard dictionaries
1

A small mammal of the subfamily Erinaceinae, characterized by their spiny back and often by the habit of rolling up into a ball when attacked, native to Afro-Eurasia.

2

Any of several spiny mammals, such as the porcupine, that are similar to the hedgehog.

3

Ellipsis of Czech hedgehog (“an antitank obstacle constructed from three steel rails”).

4

A spigot mortar-type of depth charge weapon from World War II that simultaneously fires a number of explosives into the water to create a pattern of underwater explosions intended to attack submerged submarines.

5

A type of chocolate cake (or slice), somewhat similar to an American brownie.

6

A form of dredging machine.

7

Medicago intertexta, the pods of which are armed with short spines.

8

Retzia capensis of South Africa.

9

The edible fungus Hydnum repandum.

10

A kind of electrical transformer with open magnetic circuit, the ends of the iron wire core being turned outward and presenting a bristling appearance.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing

#informal