First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1calf
noun, often attributive \ˈkaf, ˈkäf, dial also ˈkāf\
plural calves \ˈkavz, ˈkȧvz, ˈkāvz\ also calfs
Definition of CALF
1
a : the young of the domestic cow; also : that of a closely related mammal (as a bison) b : the young of various large animals (as the elephant or whale)
2
plural calfs : the hide of the domestic calf; especially : calfskin
3
: an awkward or silly youth
— calf·like \ˈkaf-ˌlīk, ˈkäf-, dial also ˈkāf-\ adjective
— in calf
: pregnant —used of a cow
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Origin of CALF
Middle English, from Old English cealf; akin to Old High German kalb calf
2calf
noun
plural calves \ˈkavz, ˈkävz\
Definition of CALF
: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee
Origin of CALF
Middle English, from Old Norse kālfi
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Anatomy Terms
CALF[1] Defined for Kids
1calf
noun \ˈkaf, ˈkäf\
plural calves \ˈkavz, ˈkävz\
Definition of CALF for Kids
1
: a young cow
2
: the young of various large animals (as the elephant, moose, or whale)
2calf
noun
plural calves
Definition of CALF for Kids
: the muscular back part of the leg below the knee
Medical Dictionary
calf
noun \ˈkaf, ˈkȧf\
plural calves \ˈkavz, ˈkȧvz\
Medical Definition of CALF
: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee
Learn More About CALF
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