Bovine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bovine

[ˈbəʊvaɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

animal-related

Relating to or affecting cattle or other members of the cattle family.

Synonyms

bull, cattle, cow.

Examples of usage

  • Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious disease that primarily affects cattle.
  • The farmer was concerned about the bovine population on his ranch.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A cow, bull, or ox; a member of the cattle family.

Synonyms

bull, cattle, cow.

Examples of usage

  • The bovine grazed peacefully in the meadow.
  • The farmer raised bovines for their milk and meat.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • Bovine animals are crucial in agriculture, providing milk, meat, and leather for human use.
  • Cattle are kept in various farming systems worldwide, from extensive ranching to intensive dairy operations.
  • Beef and dairy farming significantly contribute to economies, especially in rural areas.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, cows are considered sacred, such as in Hinduism, where they symbolize nourishment and motherhood.
  • Cows have been central to numerous myths and folklore, often representing abundance and fertility.
  • Bulls are often associated with strength and virility, influencing everything from astrology to sports teams.

Science

  • Bovines are ruminants, meaning they have a special stomach with four chambers that help them digest tough plant materials.
  • Research shows that bovine bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or 'mad cow disease' raised concerns in the 1990s about cattle brain health.
  • Cattle are vital in studying climate change due to their impact on methane emissions from enteric fermentation.

Psychology

  • Studies indicate that interactions with bovine animals can lead to reduced stress levels in humans.
  • Some therapeutic programs incorporate bovine animals to aid in emotional healing, particularly for children with trauma or anxiety.
  • The calm demeanor of cows has led to their use in various mental health therapies, promoting mindfulness among participants.

Origin of 'bovine'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'bovine' originates from the Latin word 'bos', meaning 'cow' or 'ox'.
  • The word has been used in English since the early 14th century, originally describing all cattle.
  • The Latin root is also the origin of related words in other languages, like 'bovin' in French and 'bovina' in Spanish.

The word 'bovine' originates from the Latin word 'bos' which means 'ox' or 'cow'. It has been used in English since the 18th century to refer to anything related to cattle or the cattle family. The term 'bovine' is commonly used in scientific and agricultural contexts to describe animals such as cows, bulls, and oxen.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,504, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.