rumination
rumination Lexical Profile
rumination Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A deep, prolonged, or considered thought about something; in psychology, the focused, repetitive, and often distressing contemplation of the causes and consequences of one's negative experiences.
"Her late-night ruminations on the philosophical novel inspired the central argument of her essay."
The physiological action or process of regurgitating and rechewing partially digested food (cud) in the stomach, characteristic of cattle, sheep, deer, and other ruminant mammals.
"The veterinarian observed the cow's steady rumination to ensure its digestive system was functioning normally."
Word Nuance & Usage
In general literary usage, rumination simply refers to deep, reflective contemplation, whereas in psychology it specifically denotes a maladaptive, repetitive focus on distressing thoughts and negative feelings.
• Rhymes for rumination
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Latin ruminatio, from ruminare ('to chew the cud' or figuratively 'to turn over in the mind'), derived from rumen ('throat' or 'first stomach of a cud-chewing animal').