Rumen

/ˈruː.mən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The first stomach of ruminants, where food is initially stored and fermented before passing to the other stomach chambers.

Cows have a complex digestive system that includes a rumen, which allows them to efficiently break down tough plant material.

The part of the digestive system in ruminants that allows for microbial fermentation and breakdown of cellulose.

The rumen is filled with microorganisms that help in the digestion of cellulose, facilitating the animal's ability to extract nutrients from fibrous plants.

A significant portion of the stomach in certain animals, particularly herbivores that chew cud.

After grazing, the sheep will rest and ruminate, using its rumen to process the fibrous grass it has consumed.

Etymology

From Latin 'rumen', meaning 'throat' or 'gullet'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

rumen fermentation:

The process by which microbes in the rumen break down food to release nutrients.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

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