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ovine

adjective
\ ˈō-ˌvīn How to pronounce ovine (audio) \

Definition of ovine

: of, relating to, or resembling sheep
Other Words from ovine Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about ovine

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Other Words from ovine

ovine noun

Did You Know?

Sheep belong to the same family of mammals as goats, antelope, bison, buffalo, and cows. The genus Ovis includes at least five species, including the domestic sheep. Some 12,000 years ago, in the area now known as Iraq, sheep became one of the first animals to be domesticated; only the dog is known to have been tamed earlier. At first, they were valued for their milk, skin, and meat (mutton and lamb); not until about 1500 B.C. did the weaving of wool begin. Today a billion sheep are being farmed worldwide. The term ovine (which is a noun as well as an adjective) is mostly used in scientific and medical writing—which means you could impress your friends by dropping it into a casual conversation.

Examples of ovine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 But in my estimation, the ultimate funkmaster—and there can only be one—is U Pecorinu, our ovine demon-king. — Molly Fitzpatrick, Bon Appetit, "The Hunt for the Stinkiest Cheese, Or, How I Tested the Bonds of Friendship," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ovine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ovine

1676, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ovine

Late Latin ovinus, from Latin ovis sheep — more at ewe

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More Definitions for ovine

ovine

adjective
\ ˈō-ˌvīn How to pronounce ovine (audio) \

Medical Definition of ovine

: of, relating to, or resembling sheep ovine growth hormone

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ovine

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