calf

¹calf

noun, often attributive \ˈkaf, ˈkäf, dialect also ˈkāf\

plural calves \ˈkavz, ˈkȧvz, ˈkāvz\ also calfs

Definition of CALF

1

a : the young of the domestic cow; also : that of a closely related mammal (as a bison)

b : the young of various large animals (as the elephant or whale)

2

plural calfs : the hide of the domestic calf; especially : calfskin

3

: an awkward or silly youth

— calf·like \ˈkaf-ˌlīk, ˈkäf-, dialect also ˈkāf-\ adjective

— in calf

: pregnant —used of a cow

Origin of CALF

Middle English, from Old English cealf; akin to Old High German kalb calf

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

Rhymes with CALF

caff, chaff, daff, gaff, gaffe, graph, half, laugh, quaff, raff, sclaff, staff, staph, Waf, waff

²calf

noun

plural calves \ˈkavz, ˈkävz\

Definition of CALF

: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee

Origin of CALF

Middle English, from Old Norse kālfi

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

calf

noun \ˈkaf, ˈkȧf\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; calves \ˈkavz, ˈkȧvz\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of CALF

: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee