ru·men 'rü-mən n, pl ru·mi·na -mə-nə or rumens the large first compartment of the stomach of a ruminant from which food is regurgitated for rumination and in which cellulose is broken down by the action of symbiotic microorganisms called also paunch compare ABOMASUM, OMASUM, RETICULUM
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ru·men (rooґmən) [L. “throatâ€] the first stomach of a ruminant, consisting of a huge sac lined by a mucous membrane, with several subdivisions, where partially chewed food is stored prior to rumination. Called also paunch. ruminal adjMedical dictionary. 2011.