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Cud: meaning, definitions and examples

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cud

 

[ kʌd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

digestive process

Cud refers to the food that certain animals, particularly ruminants like cows and sheep, regurgitate and re-chew to aid in digestion. This process allows them to break down tough plant material more effectively. Animals typically chew their cud after the initial digestion in the rumen.

Synonyms

re-chewed food, regurgitated food, ruminated food

Examples of usage

  • The cow was quietly chewing its cud.
  • Ruminants spend a significant amount of time digesting cud.
  • After grazing, the goats settled down to chew cud.

Etymology

The term 'cud' comes from the Old English word 'cudda', which is linked to the Proto-Germanic word '*kudwō', referring to regurgitated food. It has been used in English since the early medieval period, particularly in relation to livestock and their unique digestive processes. This word underscores the adaptation of certain herbivorous animals to extract maximum nutrients from their fibrous diet. The concept of cud is primarily associated with ruminants, whose complex stomach systems allow for an efficient breakdown of cellulose-rich plants, showcasing a fascinating aspect of animal physiology and ecology. Over centuries, the word has remained relevant in agricultural contexts and discussions about animal husbandry.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,335, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.