domestic animal
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A tame animal kept by humans for work, food, or companionship: A "domestic animal" refers to any species of animal that has been tamed and adapted over generations to live and work alongside humans in a human environment. This process is called domestication.
Usage
- The term "domestic animal" is used to categorize animals that are under human control and care, distinguishing them from wild animals.
- It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a domestic animal, domestic animals).
- It is often used in formal, agricultural, legal, and general contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- Dogs and cats are common domestic animals.
- Farmers rely on various domestic animals like cows and sheep for their livelihood.
- The law provides guidelines for the humane treatment of domestic animals.
Advanced Usage
- "Domestic animal" in legal contexts: Often used in laws and regulations concerning animal welfare, ownership, and public safety.
- The ordinance requires all domestic animals to be licensed.
- In scientific or agricultural writing, it may be contrasted with "wild animal" or "livestock" (a subset of domestic animals raised for commodities).
Variants and Related Words
- Domesticate (verb): To tame (an animal) and keep it as a pet or for farm produce.
- Humans first domesticated wolves thousands of years ago.
- Domestication (noun): The process of adapting an animal to live with and be of use to humans.
- The domestication of animals was a key step in human development.
- Livestock (noun): Domestic animals, especially those kept on a farm for profit (e.g., cattle, pigs).
- The farmer's livestock includes chickens and goats.
Synonyms
- Tame animal: An animal that is not wild and is accustomed to humans.
- Pet: (A specific type of domestic animal) An animal kept primarily for companionship.
- Farmed animal: An animal raised on a farm, typically for food or fiber.
Antonyms
- Wild animal: An animal living in a natural, undomesticated state.
- Feral animal: A domestic animal that has returned to a wild state.
Related Phrases/Compounds
- Domestic animal husbandry: The science of breeding and caring for farm animals.
- Domestic animal shelter: A facility that provides temporary housing for stray or surrendered pets.
Noun
- any of various animals that have been tamed and made fit for a human environment