[L. bos, bovis; Gr. Bous.]

1. An animal of the bovine genus, whether ox, bull or cow; but used of those which are full grown or nearly so. In this, which is the original sense, the word has a plural, beeves.

2. The flesh of an ox, bull, or cow, when killed. In popular language, the word is often applied to the live animal; as, an ox is good beef; that is, is well fattened. In this sense, the word has no plural.