1. the first compartment of the stomach of a ruminant animal where food is temporarily stored before being regurgitated for chewing
Usage: anatomy; veterinary

Examples

• The cow’s rumina can hold up to 50 gallons of partially digested food.
• Veterinarians examined the sheep’s rumina for signs of bloat.
• Bacteria in the rumina help break down cellulose from grass.
• The rumina is the largest compartment of a ruminant’s four-chambered stomach.
• Farmers monitor their cattle’s rumina health to ensure proper digestion.