noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
rumination; regurgitation; chewing the cud
Biological term for the digestive process of ruminants; also used in veterinary or zoological contexts.
牛は反芻によって草を消化する。
Cows digest grass by rumination.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
turning over in one's mind; pondering; musing
Figurative use: repeatedly thinking about something, often with a nuance of dwelling on it. Common in psychological or introspective contexts.
彼は一日中その問題を反芻していた。
He was turning the problem over in his mind all day.
嫌な記憶を反芻してしまう。
I end up ruminating on unpleasant memories.