heifer
/'hefə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A young cow, specifically a female that has not yet given birth to a calf.
Usage
- The word "heifer" is used specifically in farming and animal husbandry to refer to a young female bovine from the time she is weaned until she has her first calf. After having a calf, she is typically called a cow.
- It is a countable noun.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- In some regional or informal contexts, "heifer" can be used as a mildly derogatory term for a woman, implying she is large or clumsy. This usage is considered offensive and should be avoided in formal or polite conversation.
- Example (to be avoided): He rudely referred to her as a heifer.
Variants and Related Words
- Cow (n): The adult female of cattle, especially after she has had a calf.
- Calf (n): A young bovine animal, either male or female.
- Steer (n): A castrated male bovine raised for beef.
- Bull (n): An uncastrated adult male bovine.
Synonyms
- Young cow
- Female calf (though "calf" is less specific regarding gender and age)
Antonyms
- Bull (male counterpart)
- Cow (mature female counterpart)
- Steer (castrated male)