Bison is an animal that has been a significant part of the history of North America. It is a large mammal that belongs to the Bovidae family and is closely related to cows and buffalo. The bison is an iconic symbol of the American West, and its image is often used in popular culture to represent strength and resilience. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bison.
Definitions
The bison is a large, herbivorous mammal that is native to North America. It is also known as the American bison or buffalo. The bison has a shaggy, brown coat and a massive head with two curved horns. It can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand up to six feet tall.
Origin
The bison is believed to have originated in North America over 10,000 years ago. They were once widespread across the continent, with an estimated population of up to 60 million. However, due to hunting and habitat loss, the bison population declined rapidly in the 19th century, and they were on the brink of extinction. Today, thanks to conservation efforts, the bison population has rebounded, and there are around 500,000 bison in North America.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bison is defined as “a large shaggy-maned North American bovid that has short horns and heavy forequarters with a large muscular hump and that was formerly abundant on the central and western plains.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines bison as “a large, heavily built wild ox with shaggy hair and upward-curving horns, native to North America and Europe.”
Associations
The bison is often associated with the American West and the Great Plains. It is also a symbol of strength, resilience, and survival. The bison has played a significant role in the culture and history of Native American tribes, who hunted the animal for food and used its hides for clothing and shelter.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bison include buffalo, ox, and cow.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of bison, but some animals that are not related to bison include zebras, giraffes, and elephants.
The same root words
The word bison comes from the Latin word bisōn, which means “wild ox.” The word bisōn is also the root word for the modern-day word bison.
Example Sentences
- The bison roamed the plains in large herds before they were hunted to near-extinction.
- The Native American tribes revered the bison for its strength and used every part of the animal for survival.
- The bison’s massive head and curved horns are a symbol of power and resilience.
- The bison’s shaggy coat keeps it warm in the harsh winters of the Great Plains.
- The bison is a keystone species that helps maintain the ecological balance of the grasslands.