A sudden, startled jump or reaction of cattle, sometimes caused by a loud noise or disturbance.
Portmanteau of 'cow' + 'quake' (from earthquake), likely an informal or regional term from cattle-herding communities. It describes the trembling movement of frightened livestock.
Cowquakes aren't an official seismic term, but ranchers know them well—a herd of startled cattle jumping and running together creates an actual ground vibration that herds people can feel, almost like a mini earthquake made of beef and hooves!
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