Definition

1. Noun:
   • Descent from parents both of one pure breed: The state or condition of having parents that are both of a single, unmixed breed or lineage, typically used in the context of animals, especially livestock or pets.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The prize-winning stallion was valued for its full blood, tracing back to a single Arabian lineage for generations.
  • Breeders often require documentation to prove a dog's full blood before allowing it to compete in purebred shows.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used attributively (functioning like an adjective before a noun) to describe an animal with such lineage.
  • He specializes in breeding full blood Hereford cattle.
• It can imply notions of purity, pedigree, and sometimes, by historical extension, similar concepts applied to human lineage (though this latter usage is archaic and problematic).

Variants and Related Words

• Full-blooded (adj): This is the more common adjectival form.
  • Meaning: Of pure breed or descent; vigorous, hearty.
  • Example: A full-blooded Siberian Husky.
• Pureblood (noun/adjective): A close synonym.
• Thoroughbred (noun/adjective): Often used specifically for horses, but can imply similar purity of breed.

Synonyms

• Purebred
• Pedigree
• Thoroughbred (context-specific)

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Primary Context: The term is almost exclusively used in the domains of animal husbandry, dog/cat breeding, and equestrianism. Its use regarding people is considered outdated and offensive.
• Nuance: While full blood as a noun phrase denotes the of pure descent, the adjective full-blooded is used to an animal (or metaphorically, an action) possessing that quality or being vigorous.
• Distinction from "Full-Blooded": "Full-blooded" has a broader range, including the metaphorical meaning of "wholehearted" or "vigorous" (e.g., ). The noun phrase full blood does not carry this metaphorical sense.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• In the full blood: An uncommon phrase meaning in a state of pure lineage.
  • The herd was maintained in the full blood for over a century.
• Of full blood: A prepositional phrase used to describe lineage.
  • The puppy is of full blood, with registered parents.

Noun

1. descent from parents both of one pure breed