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Grazed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grazed

[ษกreษชzd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

cattle feeding

To graze means to feed on grass and other low plants, especially in fields or pastures. This action is typical of herbivorous animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Grazing allows these animals to obtain nourishment directly from the vegetation where they live. It is a natural behavior that not only provides food but also helps maintain the health of grasslands by promoting growth and biodiversity.

Synonyms

browse, feed, pasture.

Examples of usage

  • The cows grazed in the lush green fields.
  • She watched the sheep grazing peacefully on the hillside.
  • The farmer led the goats to graze in a new pasture.
Context #2 | Verb

light touch

To graze can also refer to a light or gentle touch against a surface. This is often used in a metaphorical sense to describe a situation where something lightly scrapes or brushes against another object. For example, one might say that a vehicle grazed the sidewalk, meaning it barely touched it without causing significant damage.

Synonyms

brush, scuff, skim.

Examples of usage

  • He grazed his hand against the rough wall.
  • The bike grazed the curb as he turned.
  • The car grazed past the pole without hitting it.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Ecology

  • Grazing helps maintain the health of grasslands by preventing overgrowth and encouraging new plant growth.
  • Certain ecosystems depend on grazing animals to thrive, as their feeding habits contribute to soil health and nutrient cycles.
  • Overgrazing, however, can lead to land degradation and loss of biodiversity.

Agriculture

  • Livestock grazing is essential for sustainable farming practices, as it helps recycle nutrients back into the soil.
  • Different types of livestock affect pasture health differently; for example, sheep graze closer to the ground than cattle.
  • In some regions, rotational grazing is used to maximize land use and minimize pasture damage.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, pastoralism, or the practice of grazing livestock, has shaped lifestyles, communities, and even economies.
  • Literature often romanticizes pastoral scenes, depicting grazing animals as symbols of peace and simplicity.
  • Songs and stories in various cultures celebrate the beauty of open fields where animals graze freely.

Nutrition

  • Meat from grazed animals often contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed counterparts.
  • Grazing animals typically have diets that improve their health, leading to better quality food products for humans.
  • Thereโ€™s a growing trend toward supporting grazing practices that are regenerative and beneficial to both animals and the environment.

Origin of 'grazed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'grazed' comes from the Old English word 'graวฃs,' which means 'grass.'
  • The verb form has evolved from a more general term about eating to specifically refer to herbivores' feeding habits.
  • Grazing as a concept is linked to agricultural practices dating back thousands of years.

The word 'grazed' originates from the Old English word 'grรฆs', which means 'grass', deriving from the Proto-Germanic '*grassa'. This term captures the essence of eating or foraging on grass, a fundamental aspect of animal behavior in pastoral societies. Over time, the verb 'graze' evolved into its modern form as it transitioned through Middle English. Initially used primarily in the context of livestock feeding, the meaning expanded to include light touching or scraping, reflecting a broader range of interactions with surfaces.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,811, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.