Pronunciation: [kˈa͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The word "kine" refers to cows and is the plural form of "cow". The spelling of this word may seem unusual, but it follows a common pattern in English where the letter "e" is added to the end of a noun to make it plural. In terms of pronunciation, "kine" is written as /kaɪn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This means that it is pronounced with the same vowel sound as "eye" and the same consonant sound as "n".
Kine is a noun that refers to plural cattle or cows, specifically in terms of their domesticated and collective existence. The term originated from the Middle English word "kyne," which originally denoted singular as well as plural forms of these animals. It is also related to the Old English word "cū" and the Germanic word "kūz," both of which refer to cows.
In general usage, kine emphasizes the presence and representation of cattle as a group rather than focusing on individual animals. It carries a sense of bovine creatures being viewed collectively, typically in agricultural or pastoral contexts. Furthermore, it is often associated with rural areas and farming communities, where cows are commonly raised for their milk, meat, and other agricultural purposes.
The term has historical and cultural significance, particularly in earlier centuries when cattle played a central role in many societies as a source of sustenance, labor, and wealth. It is occasionally used in literary and poetic contexts, evoking a nostalgic or archaic atmosphere due to its infrequent use in modern language.
In summary, kine is a noun that refers to a group of cattle or cows. It embodies the collective concept of domesticated bovine animals, highlighting their role in agriculture and rural communities throughout history.
Cows in general; a collective rather than a plural noun.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "kine" is derived from the Old English word "cȳna", which is the plural form of the noun "cū" meaning "cow". It can ultimately be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "kwōn" and the Proto-Indo-European root "gʷṓw" which both signify "cow". Over time, the word evolved and "kine" became an archaic plural form of "cow" in Middle English. Nowadays, the word "kine" is rarely used and has been replaced by its singular form "cow" as the standard term.
