Definition of: ruminant

(r′mə·nənt) noun
One of a division (Ruminantia) of even–toed ungulates, as a deer, antelope, sheep, goat, or cow, that has a stomach with four complete cavities: the rumen, the reticulum, the manyplies (omasum, psalterium), and the reed or abomasum, the food entering the first being returned to the mouth, rechewed and swallowed, and digested in the other compartments.
—adjective
1. Chewing the cud.
2. Of or pertaining to the Ruminantia.
3. Meditative or contemplative; thoughtful; drowsily quiet. [<L ruminans, -antis, ppr. of ruminare ruminate <rumen gullet]