aurochs

noun

au·​rochs ˈau̇-ˌräks 

ˈȯr-ˌäks

plural aurochs

: an extinct large long-horned wild ox (Bos primigenius) of Europe that is the ancestor of domestic cattle

Examples of aurochs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond that, the wet grasslands and meadows at Blick Mead would have been perfect for grazing aurochs, which makes sense given the high number of bones scientists have found belonging to the ancient cattle. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2022

Sinding, who has extracted ancient DNA from Pleistocene wolves, woolly rhinoceroses and aurochs, was surprised and excited to hear that Colossal Biosciences planned to re-create the dodo. —Christine Kenneally, Scientific American, 31 Jan. 2023

Giant megafauna like elephants and aurochs, the wild ancestors of today’s domestic cows, roamed the land. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2022

Extinction aside, the aurochs appears to be thriving. —Jonathon Keats, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

German, from Old High German ūrohso, from ūro aurochs + ohso ox; akin to Old English ūr aurochs — more at ox

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aurochs

• oryx
• combinatorics
• rhetorics

Kids Definition

aurochs

noun

au·​rochs ˈau̇(ə)r-ˌäks 

ˌȯ(ə)r-

: an extinct large long-horned wild ox of Europe that is the wild ancestor of domestic cattle