bison
UK: ˈbaɪs(ə)n | US: ˈbaɪs(ə)n
n. A large, shaggy-maned humpbacked bovine native to North America and Europe; the American bison is also colloquially called "buffalo."
The word "bison" traces back to Latin bison (wild ox), borrowed from Proto-Germanic wisandz (aurochs, wild ox). The Germanic root likely originated from a Baltic or Slavic term for the animal, reflecting its significance across ancient Eurasian cultures. The spelling "bison" preserves the Latin form, while the meaning narrowed to refer specifically to the American and European species. The morpheme "bis" (wild ox) no longer stands alone in modern English but remains recognizable in related words like "wisent" (the European bison).
The American bison once roamed the Great Plains in massive herds.
Conservation efforts have helped protect the endangered European bison.
Bison meat is leaner and richer in protein than beef.
The Native tribes relied on the bison for food, clothing, and tools.
A bison's hump stores fat to survive harsh winters.