ruminant

/ˈrumənənt/
adjective
  1. Relating to or characteristic of animals that chew cud.
    • Ruminant animals like goats can digest grass that humans cannot.
    • The ruminant digestive system is specially adapted to break down tough plant fibers.
    • Veterinarians study ruminant anatomy to treat cattle and sheep.
  2. Given to deep or prolonged thought; meditative.
    • The old man had a ruminant habit of stroking his beard while thinking.
    • She sat in a ruminant silence, staring out the window at the rain.
    • His ruminant nature made him a great writer but a slow decision-maker.
Antonyms
noun
  1. An animal that chews cud, such as a cow, sheep, or goat, typically having a four-chambered stomach.
    • The zoo has a special exhibit for ruminants like deer and giraffes.
    • Farmers often raise ruminants for their milk, meat, and wool.
    • Cows are the most common ruminant on farms around the world.
  2. A person who thinks deeply or repeatedly about something.
    • The philosopher was a classic ruminant, lost in thought about the meaning of life.
    • After the meeting, he became a ruminant, pondering every word that was said.
    • She is a natural ruminant, always reflecting on her experiences for hours.
What does "ruminant" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean