cub
UK[kʌb]US[kʌb]
n
A young animal of certain species, such as a bear, lion, fox, or tiger.
n
A junior or inexperienced person, especially a novice in a particular organization or activity (e.g., a Cub Scout).
v
To give birth to cubs (used of certain animals).
Etymology
The origin of 'cub' is obscure, emerging in English in the early 16th century. It is likely a borrowing from Old Irish cuib meaning "young dog, whelp," which itself may have roots in a Celtic source. The word's application expanded from canines to the young of various carnivorous mammals. This semantic broadening illustrates how a specific term for a young animal from one language family was adopted into English and generalized, creating a simple, evocative label for youthful creatures across species.
Analysis
The word 'cub' is a simplex word of uncertain origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes within modern English spelling. Its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
The lioness carefully moved her cub to a new hiding place.
He joined the Scouts as a Cub when he was eight years old.
The vixen will often cub in an underground den.