Definition

Describing animals that chew cud, which means they regurgitate food to chew it again, or relating to a meditative or contemplative state.

Example

Cows are ruminant animals that digest their food in a unique way by chewing cud.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how ruminant animals seem to be so calm?

Yeah, it's fascinating how they just chew their food slowly and thoughtfully.

I wonder if that helps them think more clearly, like being more ruminant in their thoughts.

Definitely! It’s a good reminder for us to take our time and reflect.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of animal that has a special stomach with four parts and chews its food again after swallowing it. Examples include cows, sheep, and deer.

Example

Cows are ruminants that spend a lot of time chewing their cud.

Conversation

Did you know that a cow is a type of ruminant?

Really? I never thought about it that way!

Yeah, they have a unique way of digesting food, right?

Root Explanation

Ruminant → It is formed from "ruminare" (Latin, meaning to chew over or to ponder) and the suffix "-ant" (indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word "ruminant" refers to animals that chew their cud, reflecting the action of chewing over food again.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin word for chewing over ('ruminare') to remember that a ruminant is an animal that chews its food again.

Visually Confused Words