n. [ L. Taurus. ] The constellation Taurus. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. tauricornis; taurus a bull + cornu a horn. ] (Zool.) Having horns like those of a bull. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Taurus + 1st -id. ] (Astron.) Any of a group of meteors appearing November 20-23; -- so called because they appear to radiate from a point in Taurus. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
n. [ See Toreador. ] A bullfighter; a toreador. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. tauriformis; taurus a bull + -form: cf. F. tauriforme. ] Having the form of a bull. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. taurinus, fr. taurus a bull. See Taurus. ] (Zool.) Of or pertaining to the genus Taurus, or cattle. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ So named because it was discovered in the bile of the ox. See Taurus. ] (Physiol. Chem.) A chemical compound occurring in small quantity in the juices of muscle, in the lungs, and elsewhere, but especially in the bile, where it is found as a component part of taurocholic acid, from which it can be prepared by decomposition of the acid. It crystallizes in colorless, regular six-sided prisms, and is especially characterized by containing both nitrogen and sulphur, being chemically amido-isethionic acid,
n. (Physiol. Chem.) A salt of taurocholic acid;
a. [ Taurine + cholic. ] (Physiol. Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, a conjugate acid (called taurocholic acid) composed of taurine and cholic acid, present abundantly in human bile and in that of carnivora. It is exceedingly deliquescent, and hence appears generally as a thick, gummy mass, easily soluble in water and alcohol. It has a bitter taste. [ 1913 Webster ]