Ru′mi‐na″tion (?), n. [L. ruminatio: cf. F. rumination.] 1. The act or process of ruminating, or chewing the cud; the habit of chewing the cud.
Rumination is given to animals to enable them at once to lay up a great store of food, and afterward to chew it. Arbuthnot.
2. The state of being disposed to ruminate or ponder; deliberate meditation or reflection.
Retiring full of rumination sad. Thomson.
3. (Physiol.) The regurgitation of food from the stomach after it has been swallowed, — occasionally observed as a morbid phenomenon in man.