calf

calf · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A young bovine animal, especially a domestic cow or bull in its first year.

  2. 2.

    The young of various other large mammals, such as elephants, whales, or seals.

  3. 3.

    The fleshy back part of the human leg below the knee.

  4. 4.

    Leather made from the skin of a calf; calfskin.

Forms

plural: calves

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    kill the fatted calf — to celebrate lavishly, especially for someone's return
  • •
    calf love — youthful infatuation; puppy love

Related words

See also: cattle, cow, leg, veal
Synonyms: bull calf (male), heifer (female), young cow

Etymology

From Old English cealf, from Proto-Germanic kalbaz. The anatomical sense (part of the leg) is from Old Norse kalfi, possibly related to the animal sense due to the rounded shape.