Erinaceus europaeus eri·na·ceu·seuropaeus uncommon noun 1. small nocturnal Old World mammal covered with both hair and protective spines SynonymshedgehogErinaceus europaeusErinaceus europeaeus Related words Broader terms insectivore Parts Erinaceus Part of quill WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved.