How Do You Spell MULLEY?

Pronunciation: [mˈʌlɪ] (IPA)

Mulley is a word that refers to a cow or bull with white horns, hooves, and nose. The correct spelling of this word is 'm-u-l-l-e-y', where the first syllable is pronounced as 'mʌl', the second syllable is pronounced as 'i', and the last syllable is pronounced as 'ɪ'. The spelling of the word 'mulley' can be challenging for non-native speakers as the letter combination 'll' is pronounced as one sound instead of two separate sounds. However, proper use of the IPA phonetic transcription can help clarify the correct pronunciation and spelling of this word.

MULLEY Meaning and Definition

1. Mulley is a term used primarily in animal husbandry and zoology to describe a type of livestock that lacks horns or antlers. It is often used to refer to cattle specifically, although it can also be used to describe other hoofed animals such as sheep or goats that do not possess these appendages. Mulley animals have a smooth, rounded skull without any bony protuberances, which distinguishes them from their horned or antlered counterparts.

   The term "mulley" is derived from the Middle English word "molle," meaning soft or smooth. It entered the English language during the 14th century and has since been widely utilized in agricultural contexts to characterize hornless livestock.

   There are various reasons for the absence of horns in mulleys. It can be a naturally occurring genetic trait, inherited from parents without horns, or it may result from selective breeding. Farmers often prefer hornless animals as they pose less risk of injury to both humans and other animals during handling or transportation. Additionally, hornless animals tend to be less aggressive and less likely to engage in injurious fights.

   Mulleys can be found in different breeds and species across the world, playing a significant role in livestock industries and breeding programs. Their hornless characteristic is an important factor considered by farmers and breeders when selecting animals for specific purposes, such as meat or milk production.

Common Misspellings for MULLEY

• nulley
• kulley
• julley
• mylley
• mhlley
• mjlley
• milley
• m8lley
• m7lley
• mukley
• mupley
• muoley
• mulkey
• mulpey
• muloey
• mullwy
• mullsy
• mulldy
• mullry
• mull4y

Etymology of MULLEY

The word "mulley" has a complex etymology, originating from multiple sources. It traces its roots back to Old English and Middle English before evolving over time. The following is an overview of its etymological journey:

1. Old English: The Old English word "mol" or "mul" referred to a "mule", which was a hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.

2. Middle English: The word "mule" in Old English transitioned into "muley" in Middle English. This transition occurred due to linguistic changes and the influence of French, which was the dominant language in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

3. Influence of Arabic: Another contributor to the etymology of "mulley" is the Arabic term "mawla" (also spelled "mawlā"), meaning "owned" or "slave".

Plural form of MULLEY is MULLEYS