Belgian Blue

noun

: any of a breed of large beef cattle developed in Belgium that are blue, white, or blue-and-white pied and have an increased rate of muscle growth resulting from a mutation in the gene coding for myostatin

Fed normally, Belgian Blues develop 20 to 30 percent more muscle than average cattle, and their meat is lower in fat and unusually tender.

—John Travis, Science News, 22 Nov. 1997

Belgian Blues are unlike any cows you've ever seen. They have a genetic mutation that means they do not have effective myostatin, a substance that curbs muscle growth.

—Nicholas D. Kristof, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2004

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!