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adj

bovine

BOH-vyn

Bovine (adj) means relating to cattle or animals in the same family, such as buffalo and bison. Example: “The vet specialises in bovine diseases.”

adj
1
Relating to cattle or animals in the same family, such as buffalo and bison.
"The vet specialises in bovine diseases."
2
Slow-witted, dull, or sluggish, like the stereotype of a placid cow.
"He gave a bovine stare that suggested he hadn't understood a word."

How to use bovine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with cattle, or (informally) dull and slow to react.

Common pairings
bovine growth hormone a bovine expression

Word forms

more bovine comparative, bovines plural, most bovine superlative

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Test yourself on “bovine” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The vet specialises in _____ diseases.

Etymology

From Late Latin bovinus, "relating to cattle," from Latin bos, "ox" — the same root that gives us "beef."

Origin: Late Latin

Related words

Rhymes for bovine

See all rhymes for bovine →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bovine” mean?

The word “bovine” means relating to cattle or animals in the same family, such as buffalo and bison. In plain terms, to do with cattle, or (informally) dull and slow to react.

How do you pronounce “bovine”?

“Bovine” is pronounced BOH-vyn (/ˈboʊˌvaɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “bovine” in a sentence?

Here is “bovine” used in a sentence: “The vet specialises in bovine diseases.”

What part of speech is “bovine”?

“Bovine” is an adjective.

Where does the word “bovine” come from?

The word “bovine” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin bovinus, "relating to cattle," from Latin bos, "ox" — the same root that gives us "beef.".

How many meanings does “bovine” have?

“Bovine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to cattle or animals in the same family, such as buffalo and bison.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial