Meaning & Definition of word "Rumen"

noun:

• 1. The first stomach of ruminants, where food is initially stored and fermented before passing to the other stomach chambers.
  • Example: Cows have a complex digestive system that includes a rumen, which allows them to efficiently break down tough plant material.
• 2. The part of the digestive system in ruminants that allows for microbial fermentation and breakdown of cellulose.
  • Example: The rumen is filled with microorganisms that help in the digestion of cellulose, facilitating the animal's ability to extract nutrients from fibrous plants.
• 3. A significant portion of the stomach in certain animals, particularly herbivores that chew cud.
  • Example: After grazing, the sheep will rest and ruminate, using its rumen to process the fibrous grass it has consumed.