rumination

rumination
    n 1: a calm, lengthy, intent consideration [syn:
         {contemplation}, {reflection}, {reflexion}, {rumination},
         {musing}, {thoughtfulness}]
    2: (of ruminants) chewing (the cud); "ruminants have remarkable
       powers of rumination"
    3: regurgitation of small amounts of food; seen in some infants
       after feeding
    

Rumination \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.
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            Rumination is given to animals to enable them at
            once to lay up a great store of food, and afterward
            to chew it.                           --Arbuthnot.
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   2. The state of being disposed to ruminate or ponder;
      deliberate meditation or reflection.
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            Retiring full of rumination sad.      --Thomson.
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   3. (Physiol.) The regurgitation of food from the stomach
      after it has been swallowed, -- occasionally observed as a
      morbid phenomenon in man.
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