heifer
UK[ˈhefə(r)]US[ˈhefər]
n
a young cow that has not yet had a calf.
Etymology
the word 'heifer' originates from old english 'hēahfore', a term of uncertain precise origin. it is a west germanic word, with cognates in old saxon and old high german, suggesting a common ancestral term for a young bovine. the original first element may be related to 'high', possibly indicating a 'high-going' animal, though this is speculative. over centuries, the form simplified to 'heifer', losing its transparent morphological structure and becoming a fixed, unanalyzable term in modern english for a young cow that has not calved.
Analysis
the word is a simplex unit of old english origin. it does not break down into smaller, meaningful morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
the farmer is raising several heifers to expand his dairy herd.
a young heifer grazed peacefully in the field.
the prize for best livestock went to a beautifully groomed heifer.