Bovine
/ˈboʊvaɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or characteristic of cattle.
/ˈboʊvaɪn/
Relating to cattle or cows.
The farmer carefully examined his bovine herd.
💡 Simply: About cows.
More Examples
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy is a serious cattle disease.
How It's Used
"The bovine population of the farm increased significantly."
"The veterinarian treated the bovine for a severe infection."
Showing a lack of intelligence or sensitivity; dull and unresponsive.
/ˈboʊvaɪn/
Cow-like in a dull or stolid way.
Her bovine stare suggested a complete lack of understanding.
💡 Simply: Stupid or unfeeling like a cow.
More Examples
The speaker's bovine manner made it difficult to engage the audience.
How It's Used
"He had a bovine expression on his face, completely unmoved by the news."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *bovīnus, from *bos "ox".
Historically, 'bovine' was primarily used in scientific and agricultural contexts. Its figurative use to describe someone as dull or unintelligent is a later development.
Memory tip
Think 'cow' – bovine refers to cattle.
Word Origin
"of or relating to oxen or cattle"