Kine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kine

[kaɪn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal husbandry

Kine is an archaic term that refers to cattle, particularly those that are domesticated for agricultural purposes. This word is a plural form of 'cow' and often used in historical or poetic contexts. In modern usage, the term is rarely encountered, as most people simply refer to cattle or cows. However, it might still be found in literature or discussions relating to farming, livestock, or historical texts.

Synonyms

bovines, cattle, livestock.

Examples of usage

  • The kine grazed peacefully in the lush green pastures.
  • Farmers often keep kine for milk production.
  • In ancient times, large herds of kine were vital for sustenance.
  • The poem described the beauty of the kine against the sunset.

Translations

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Origin of 'kine'

The word 'kine' originates from Old English 'cū' which meant cow, with the plural provided by 'kine'. The use of 'kine' can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*kwoniz' from which various words for cattle developed across Germanic languages. The term reflects the agricultural importance of cattle in historical societies, where they served as vital resources for labor, milk, and meat. Over centuries, the word evolved, leading to modern terms such as 'cattle' and 'cows', but 'kine' remains a linguistic link to agricultural traditions and practices of the past. It often appears in literature that seeks to evoke a sense of rural life or historical context, highlighting its role in the language of farming and animal husbandry.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,082, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.