calve

Everyday

1. (of a cow, whale, elephant and some other animals) To give birth to a calf. tree →
2. (of a glacier or iceberg) To have a big piece of ice break off and fall into the sea. tree →

In the lessons

In farm and science lessons, cows calve in spring on many farms. In geography and climate lessons, glaciers calve when chunks break off and become icebergs, a sight shown in films about Antarctica, Greenland and Alaska.

Examples

• The cow is due to calve next week. tree →
• Most of the cows calved in March. tree →
• The glacier calved a huge iceberg into the sea. tree →
• We watched a video of ice calving into the ocean. tree →
• Elephants calve about every four or five years. tree →
• The farmer stayed up all night while the cow calved. tree →
• As soon as they have calved, I shall sell the calves. tree →

Note

Regular verb: calved, calving. Trap: «calves» is both the verb («the cow calves») and the plural of «calf» (baby cows, or the backs of your lower legs). Said «kahv» (UK) or «kav» (US); the l is silent.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: In Job and Psalms, the calving of the hinds is a wonder only God knows and controls. Tradition reads this as showing His hidden care for all creatures. In the primary lessons: In farm and science lessons, cows calve in spring on many farms. In geography and climate lessons, glaciers calve when chunks break off and become icebergs, a sight shown in films about Antarctica, Greenland and Alaska.

Examples

• Or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve? (Writings JOB.39.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and strippeth the forests bare; and in His temple all say: 'Glory.' (Writings PSA.29.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: calved, calving. Trap: «calves» is both the verb («the cow calves») and the plural of «calf» (baby cows, or the backs of your lower legs). Said «kahv» (UK) or «kav» (US); the l is silent.