calf

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

Definition of calf

plural calves play \ˈkavz, ˈkʼvz, ˈkāvz\ also calfs

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

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

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

3 : an awkward or silly youth

—

calflike

play \ˈkaf-ˌlīk, ˈkäf-, dialectal also ˈkāf-\ adjective

— in calf

: pregnant —used of a cow

Origin and Etymology of calf

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Mammals Terms

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

calf

noun

Definition of calf

plural calves play \ˈkavz, ˈkävz\

: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee

The cat rubbed against her calves.

Origin and Etymology of calf

Middle English, from Old Norse kālfi

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

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

CALF Defined for Kids

calf

noun \ ˈkaf , ˈkäf \

Definition of calf for Students

plural calves \ˈkavz, ˈkävz\

1 : a young cow

2 : the young of various large animals (as the elephant, moose, or whale)

calf

noun

Definition of calf for Students

plural calves

: the muscular back part of the leg below the knee

Medical Dictionary

calf

noun \ ˈkaf, ˈkȧf \

medical Definition of calf

plural calves play \ˈkavz, ˈkȧvz\

: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee

Learn More about calf

See words that rhyme with calf Spanish Central: Translation of calf Nglish: Translation of calf for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of calf for Arabic speakers

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calf

Definition of calf

calflike

Origin and Etymology of calf

Other Mammals Terms

calf

Definition of calf

Origin and Etymology of calf

Other Anatomy Terms

CALF Defined for Kids

calf

Definition of calf for Students

calf

Definition of calf for Students

Medical Dictionary

calf

medical Definition of calf

Learn More about calf

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