Treated as plural. A division of hoofed mammals that comprises the ruminants, now regarded as a suborder of Artiodactyla that excludes the camel family.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in William Lawrence (1783–1867), surgeon. From scientific Latin Ruminantia, group name, specific use of classical Latin rūminantia, neuter plural of the present participle of rūminārī or rūmināreruminate.