cow, calf, bull, cattle

Definition:

The term "cattle" refers to a kind of large, four-legged farm animal that eats grass and is primarily raised for its meat and milk.

The female of this kind of animal is called a "cow," the male is a "bull," and their offspring is a "calf."
Sometimes the term "cow" is used in a general way to refer to all kinds of cattle.
In some cultures, cattle are traded in exchange for goods. Sometimes they are used as gifts given to the parents of a young woman a man desires to marry.
In the Bible, the Jewish people used cattle for sacrifices, especially a certain type called the red heifer.
A "heifer" is a cow that has not yet had a baby.
An "ox" is a special type of bull that is used for agricultural work, like pulling a plow.

(See also: heifer · ox · yoke)