URCHINS Meaning and
Definition
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Urchins refer to small, mischievous, and often impoverished children, typically found in urban areas. The term "urchin" can have a derogatory connotation, implying that these children are unkempt, unruly, and engaging in petty theft or delinquent behavior. The word can also be associated with street children or orphans who are often seen scavenging for food or engaging in informal work to sustain themselves.
Historically, the term "urchin" has been used to describe children who had no means of support or a stable upbringing, often living in extreme poverty. They would roam the streets, sometimes forming gangs or engaging in survival tactics. Although the term does not hold the same prevalence today, it is still used in certain contexts to describe destitute or troublesome youngsters.
In a more contemporary sense, "urchins" may also refer to small marine animals known as sea urchins. These spiny creatures are characterized by spherical bodies covered in protective spines and are found inhabiting the ocean floor. Sea urchins belong to the echinoderm family and are closely related to starfish and sand dollars. They play a significant ecological role, particularly in marine ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey and assisting in maintaining the balance of marine biodiversity. Sea urchins have a hard exoskeleton and may vary in color, size, and spines, depending on the species. They are also known to possess a unique ability to self-regenerate, making them fascinating subjects of study in marine biology.
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Etymology of URCHINS
The word urchins originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French word urchon or herichon, which means a hedgehog. In turn, the Old French term was borrowed from the Latin word erinaceus, also meaning hedgehog. The term was initially used to refer to hedgehogs due to their spiky appearance, but over time, its usage expanded to include mischievous or ragged children, comparing their unkempt hair or behavior to the spines of a hedgehog. The word eventually evolved to its modern meaning of small, mischievous children.
Similar spelling words for URCHINS
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