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Definition of calf noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

calf

noun
 
/kɑːf/
 
/kæf/
(plural calves
 
/kɑːvz/
 
/kævz/
)
Idioms
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  1. [countable] the back part of the leg between the ankle and the knee
    • I've torn a calf muscle.
    Topics Bodyc1
  2. [countable] a young cow
    • The calves are grazed intensively during their first season.
    • These calves are reared for beef.
    Topics Animalsc1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • bull
    • heifer
    • beef
    • …
    verb + calf
    • produce
    • rear
    calf + verb
    • feed
    • graze
    See full entry
  3. [countable] a young animal of some other type such as a young elephant or whale
  4. [uncountable]
    (also calfskin)
    soft thin leather made from the skin of calves, used especially for making shoes and clothing
    More Like This Silent lettersSilent letters
    5. Word Originsenses 2 to 4 Old English cælf, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch kalf and German Kalb. sense 1 Middle English: from Old Norse kálfi, of unknown origin.
Idioms
in/with calf
  1. (of a cow) pregnant
See calf in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
Check pronunciation: calf

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noun
 
 
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