Bos

/boʊs/ noun

Definition

A genus of large horned mammals that includes cattle, buffalo, and bison.

Etymology

From Latin 'bos' meaning 'ox' or 'cow'. This is the scientific genus name adopted in the Linnaean classification system for bovine animals.

Kelly Says

When scientists name organisms, they use Latin so that any scientist worldwide understands what animal is being discussed—'Bos taurus' is any cow anywhere, avoiding confusion from local names like 'vaca,' 'kuh,' or 'vache'!

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