Oxen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🐂
oxen
[ˈɒks(ə)n ]
Definition
farm animals
Oxen are adult castrated male cattle used for plowing fields and pulling heavy loads. They are known for their strength and endurance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| oxen |
Typically referred to adult male cattle that have been trained as draft animals and are often used in farming or heavy labor.
|
| cattle |
A general term that refers to domesticated bovines, including cows, bulls, and steers. It's the plural form and is often used to describe the entire group.
|
| bullocks |
Often used in British English to describe young bulls that are castrated and usually raised for beef production or draft work.
|
| steers |
Refers to male cattle that have been castrated and raised for beef. They are often distinguished from bulls, which are non-castrated males.
|
Examples of usage
- Farmers used oxen to work the fields before the invention of tractors.
- Oxen are typically used in pairs to pull heavy carts.
- The use of oxen for farming dates back thousands of years.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- In ancient civilizations, oxen were crucial for agricultural practices, turning the soil and transporting goods.
- They were often used in pairs or teams to increase their power, much like modern-day machinery.
Culture
- Oxen are celebrated in various cultures around the world, often featured in harvest festivals and traditional celebrations.
- In some cultures, seeing a pair of oxen is considered good luck, symbolizing hard work and prosperity.
Science
- Oxen are usually castrated males, which makes them easier to handle and less aggressive than bulls.
- Their ability to digest tough grasses makes them essential in ecosystems where grasslands prevail.
Literature
- Oxen have appeared in various literary works, symbolizing strength, dedication, and the connection between humans and nature.
- In children's books, they are often portrayed as friendly and hardworking, teaching values of cooperation and effort.
Origin of 'oxen'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'oxen' comes from the Old English term 'oxa', indicating it has been used for many centuries.
- It is a unique plural form in English; usually, animals end with an 's', but here, it changes to 'en'.
The word 'oxen' originated from the Old English word 'oxan,' which itself is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'uhsan.' Oxen have been domesticated for thousands of years and have played a crucial role in agriculture and transportation in many cultures around the world.