(n.) Any species of Erethizon and related genera, native of America. They are related to the true porcupines, but have shorter spines, and are arboreal in their habits. The Canada porcupine (Erethizon dorsatus) is a well known species.
PORCUPINE
Meaning of PORCUPINE in English
Webster's English dictionary. Английский словарь Webster. 2012