Cow

Definition

Cow is a noun that refers to a fully grown female bovine animal, especially of domesticated species used for milk production, meat, and labor. The term can also be used informally to refer to large mammals of similar appearance. As a verb, "to cow" means to intimidate or subdue someone by instilling fear.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kaʊ/
• Respelling: KOW

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kaʊ/
• Respelling: KOW

Etymology

The word "cow" originates from the Old English "cū," which is derived from Proto-Germanic "*kūz" and Proto-Indo-European "*gʷṓws," meaning a bovine animal. This root word is related to various similar terms in Indo-European languages, including Latin "bos" and Greek "bous."

Derivatives

• Cattle (noun)
• Heifer (noun)
• Bovine (adjective)
• Calf (noun)
• Milking cow (noun)

Synonyms

• Bovine
• Heifer
• Cattle

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "cow" is widely used to refer to the adult female of the bovine species, especially in contexts involving dairy production or agriculture, as in "The cow provides milk for the farm." As a verb, it is used in contexts involving intimidation, such as "He was cowed into silence."

Related Terms

• Bull: The adult male of the bovine species.
• Cattle: Domesticated bovine animals collectively.
• Ox: A domesticated bovine trained for labor, usually castrated.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A fully grown female bovine animal: Specifically refers to domesticated animals raised for milk or meat production.
  • Example: "The cow grazed peacefully in the pasture."
• A large mammal similar in appearance: Sometimes used to refer to other large animals that resemble cattle in form.
  • Example: "The sea cow is a marine mammal."

Verb

• To intimidate or subdue by instilling fear: Used to describe the action of making someone fearful or submissive.
  • Example: "The protesters refused to be cowed by the authorities."