cud

noun

ˈkəd 

 chiefly Southern  ˈku̇d,

 or  ˈküd

1

: food brought up into the mouth by a ruminating animal from its rumen to be chewed again

2

: quid entry 2

Examples of cud in a Sentence

a cow chewing its cud

Recent Examples on the Web

Animals that chew their cud can emit noxious gases with an astounding impact on the environment. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 10 June 2024

By monitoring the reindeer’s brain activity, Furrer and colleagues found that the animals were able to sleep while stoically chewing their cud. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Dec. 2023

And the new study has revealed that chewing the cud has benefits beyond nourishment—the repetitive process also helps the animal reap the mental benefits of sleep. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Dec. 2023

The snouts of cud-chewing mammals come in a glorious variety of shapes. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2016

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cudde, from Old English cwudu; akin to Old High German kuti glue, Sanskrit jatu gum

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cud

noun

ˈkəd 

ˈku̇d

: food brought up into the mouth by some animals (as a cow) from the rumen to be chewed again

Medical Definition

cud

noun

ˈkəd, ˈku̇d 

: food brought up into the mouth by a ruminating animal from its first stomach to be chewed again