Definition of the word breed

The word "breed" has a fascinating origin. The modern English word "breed" comes from the Old English word "brecdan," which means "to produce or bring forth." This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*brektan," which is also the source of the Modern German word "bringen," meaning "to bring" or "to produce." In the context of animals, the word "breed" originally referred to the act of producing offspring, and only later came to refer specifically to the process of selecting and cultivating a particular type of animal or plant for specific characteristics. Over time, the term "breed" has been used in a broader sense to describe the cultivation of various species, including crops, livestock, and even humans. So, the next time you hear someone talk about a "breed" of dog or a "breed" of rice, you can impress them with your knowledge of the word's etymology!