beef
noun 1 the flesh of a cow, bull, or ox, used as food. 2 (pl. beeves /beevz/ or US also beefs) a cow, bull, or ox fattened for its meat. 3 informal flesh with well-developed muscle. 4 informal strength or power. 5 (pl. beefs) informal a complaint or grievance. verb informal 1 (beef up) make stronger or more substantial. 2 complain. ORIGIN Old French boef, from Latin bos ox.
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