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cow

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The definition of a cow is the female of domestic cattle and certain other mammals including whales, manatees and elephants.

(noun)

An example of a cow is a Hereford that is raised for beef.
An example of a cow is a mother elephant.

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See cow in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the mature female of domestic cattle (genus Bos), valued for its milk
the mature female of certain other mammals, as the buffalo, elephant, moose, whale, etc.: the male of such animals is called a bull
☆ West a domestic bovine animal, whether a steer, bull, cow, or calf: usually used in pl.

Origin: ME cou, cow, pl. kye (southern doubled pl. kyn) < OE cū, pl. cy < IE base *gwou-, cow, ox > Sans gauḥ, Gr bous, L bos, OIr bo, Ger kuh

transitive verb

to make timid and submissive by filling with fear or awe; intimidate

Origin: < ON kūga, to subdue; meaning infl. by cow, coward

See cow in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The mature female of cattle of the genus Bos.
The mature female of other large animals, such as whales, elephants, or moose.
A domesticated bovine of either sex or any age.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English cou

Origin: , from Old English cū; see g^wou- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

cowˈy adjective

transitive verb cowed, cow·ing, cows

To frighten with threats or a show of force. See Synonyms at intimidate.

Origin:

Origin: Probably of Scandinavian origin

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Related Forms:

cowˈed·ly (-ĭd-lē) adverb

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