Pronunciation: [ˈɒksən] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "oxen" can be tricky for English learners because of the silent "e" at the end. The word is pronounced as /ˈɑksən/ with two syllables, not "ox-en". The "/ks/" cluster is also unusual in English, so it's important to remember that it's spelled with an "x" and not a "cs". "Oxen" is the plural form of "ox", which is a domesticated animal used for farming.
Oxen are large, domesticated animals belonging to the cattle family (Bovidae) and are commonly characterized by their immense strength and size. They have been a crucial part of agricultural practices for thousands of years and have been utilized for a variety of tasks, particularly in ploughing and hauling heavy loads.
Typically, oxen are male cattle that have been trained and utilized for draft purposes, although the term can often be used more broadly to refer to both males and females. They are distinct from their female counterparts, cows, due to their stronger and bulkier build, featuring large shoulders, a sturdy neck, and powerful musculature.
Oxen are herbivores, feeding predominantly on grass, hay, and other plant materials. Their digestive system, characterized by a specialized chamber called the rumen, allows them to efficiently extract nutrients from fibrous plant materials through the process of mastication, fermentation, and regurgitation. They are ruminants, a class of cud-chewing mammals, which allows them to break down and extract essential nutrients from the highly fibrous plants they consume.
In many cultures, oxen hold significant cultural and historical importance, symbolizing strength, productivity, and endurance. They have played a pivotal role in agricultural practices worldwide, providing invaluable assistance in ploughing fields, hauling heavy machinery, and transporting goods. While the use of oxen for labor has diminished over time with the advent of industrialization and modern technology, they continue to be seen in some regions, particularly in areas with limited access to machinery or where traditional farming techniques are still practiced.
A general name for animals of the bovine or cow kind; strictly, a gelded male at or near his full growth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word oxen is derived from the Old English word oxa (singular), which comes from the Proto-Germanic word ukhsan or uhsan. This term refers to cattle, particularly those used for plowing and pulling heavy loads. The plural form oxen arose in Middle English, influenced by the Old English plural oxan.
