The spelling of the word "cattle" might seem strange to non-native English speakers. However, it can be explained through its phonetic transcription in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "cattle" is pronounced as /ˈkætəl/. The "tt" spelling in "cattle" comes from the Old English word "catel," which meant "personal property" or "wealth." Over time, the word evolved to include domesticated animals, hence the modern spelling "cattle." So, don't let the spelling confuse you – the pronunciation of "cattle" is easy enough once you know how to say it!
Cattle are large domesticated mammals of the bovine family, typically raised or bred for various purposes, including meat, milk, and labor. They are commonly found and raised in agricultural settings across the world, with numerous breeds known for their distinct characteristics and uses.
Categorized as ungulates, cattle are characterized by their cloven hooves and ruminant digestive system, enabling them to efficiently digest plant-based food through a process of regurgitation and re-chewing, known as rumination. They are herbivorous animals, consuming mainly grasses, grains, and other vegetation.
Cattle exhibit a wide range of physical variations, including size, coat color, and horn shape, among others, depending on the breed. While their sizes can vary significantly, they are generally large and sturdy animals. Bulls, or male cattle, are typically larger and heavier than cows, or female cattle.
Historically, cattle have played a vital role in human societies, providing essential products such as meat, milk, leather, and labor. They have been selectively bred for desirable traits over centuries, resulting in different breeds that suit diverse farming or agricultural practices. Furthermore, cattle are often associated with rural landscapes and pastoralism, symbolizing a connection to nature and traditional farming practices.
In conclusion, cattle are large domesticated mammals of the bovine family that are raised and bred for various purposes, including meat, milk, and labor. They possess unique physical features, are herbivorous, and have significant historical and cultural importance in human societies.
Quadrupeds, being domestic animals used for labour or for food-more especially applied to oxen, bulls, and cows.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cattle" originates from the Middle English word "catel", which evolved from the Old Norman French word "chatel". The Old Norman French term itself was derived from the Latin word "capitalis", which meant "property" or "wealth". In earlier usage, "cattle" referred to all movable property or livestock. Over time, its meaning became specific to bovine livestock such as cows, bulls, and oxen.