deer
UK: dɪə | US: dɪr
n. A hoofed grazing or browsing animal, typically with branched antlers (in males) and found in temperate and Arctic regions.
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The word "deer" traces back to Old English dēor, meaning "wild animal, beast." Over time, its meaning narrowed specifically to the ruminant mammal we know today. This semantic shift (from general to specific) is common in language evolution. The Proto-Germanic root deuzą also underlies related words in other Germanic languages (e.g., German Tier, "animal"). Notably, "deer" originally referred to any wild creature, contrasting with domesticated animals—a reflection of early human categorization of fauna.
A deer leaped across the forest path.
We spotted a herd of deer grazing near the river.
The hunter tracked the deer silently through the snow.
Deer are common symbols in Native American folklore.
The car slowed down to avoid hitting a deer at dusk.