Proper name for a "cow"?

Question

On farms, you will see cows. The males are called bulls. But many people generally call the species "cow".

Now, we approach a problem. Many species go by the cow/bull labeling. This includes whales, elephants, seals, moose, and, um... cows?

Here's my question. What is the proper name for the animal that you see on the farms and that you get beef from? Isn't it weird that we call them cows when, really, a cow is just a name for the female form of this species?

P.S. Don't take this question too seriously, because I'm not. I'm just a curious person.

Answer 1

cow 1 (kou)


The mature female of cattle of the genus Bos.
The mature female of other large animals, such as whales, elephants, or moose.
A domesticated bovine of either sex or any age.

cat·tle (ktl)


Any of various chiefly domesticated mammals of the genus Bos, including cows, steers, bulls, and oxen, often raised for meat and dairy products.

bo·vine (bvn, -vn)


Of, relating to, or resembling a ruminant mammal of the genus Bos, such as an ox, cow, or buffalo.
Sluggish, dull, and stolid.

Answer 2

The proper name is a cattle, Bovine refers to a subfamily of 24 species including cattle, bison, water buffalo and yaks so cannot be used just for those critters running around the farm mooing. Although improper, the common name for those guys is cow regardless of their sex.

Answer 3

Actually, regardless of what everybody else says, bovine isn't just for cows. As cero143_326 said, cattle is a more proper word. However, most people just call them cows, whether they're males, females, or babies.

Answer 4

Bovine.

Answer 5

Yep bovine is the word you're looking for.

Answer 6

OK, I understand your point.
they are bovine

Answer 7

MooMoo's!!!

Answer 8

i think they should be called "moomers" or milkies.. or steakies.. hee hee