RIDGELING Meaning and
Definition
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A "ridgeling" refers to a specific term used to describe a male animal, most commonly a horse, which possesses undescended or incompletely descended testicles. It is characterized by the failure of one or both testicles to descend fully into the scrotum, resulting in the testes being retained within the abdominal cavity or inguinal canal.
This condition, also known as "cryptorchidism," typically occurs during the developmental stages of male animals and can affect their reproductive capacity. Ridgelings are considered to have reduced fertility or might be completely infertile due to the higher temperature within the body compared to the scrotum.
The term "ridgeling" derives from the fact that the retained testicles may be palpable within the body, often feeling like a small ridge under the skin. In equine medicine, identifying ridgelings is important for the wellbeing of the animal, as they are at a higher risk of developing health issues such as testicular tumors and inguinal hernias.
Treatment for ridgelings usually involves surgical intervention to remove the undescended testicle(s) and prevent potential complications. This procedure is known as "castration" and is commonly performed to sterilize male animals. Castrating a ridgeling also helps control temperament and behavior, as undescended testicles can result in hormonal imbalances and excessive or aggressive behavior.
Overall, the term "ridgeling" refers to a male animal, mainly a horse, with one or both testicles that have not fully descended into the scrotum, requiring surgical intervention and potential castration for medical and behavioral reasons.
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A horse or man with but one testicle, ridgel.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A ram imperfectly castrated, and consequnetly liable to excited movements under the sexual impulse.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for RIDGELING
- eidgeling
- didgeling
- fidgeling
- tidgeling
- 5idgeling
- 4idgeling
- rudgeling
- rjdgeling
- rkdgeling
- rodgeling
- r9dgeling
- r8dgeling
- risgeling
- rixgeling
- ricgeling
- rifgeling
- rirgeling
- riegeling
- ridfeling
Etymology of RIDGELING
The word "ridgeling" is derived from the combination of two elements: "ridge" and the diminutive suffix "-ling".
"Ridge" originated from the Old English word "hrycg", which referred to the long, narrow elevation or crest of a mountain or hill. Over time, the term came to be associated with the raised or elevated line on the surface of an object or the spine of an animal.
The suffix "-ling" is of Germanic origin and is commonly used to form diminutives. It implies smallness, youth, or a lesser degree of the characteristic denoted by the word it is attached to. In this case, "-ling" suggests a small or young ridge.
Therefore, "ridgeling" can be understood to mean a small, young, or lesser ridge.
Similar spelling words for RIDGELING
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