dummy

dum·my

(dŭm'ē),

1. Synonym(s): pontic

2. British usage for pacifier (q.v.).

[substitute, imitation dumb, lacking the power of speech, fr. O.E.]

dummy

state of depressed consciousness in which the still mobile animal walks continuously and compulsively, head down, stumbling gait, walking into fixed objects, head presses when it meets a fixed object, when trapped in a narrow place is incapable of backing out, walks into human habitation which it would ordinarily shun. May walk in circles. Does not respond to ordinary stimuli, does not eat or drink. Caused by encephalitis, hepatic encephalopathy, subacute lead poisoning. Called also blind staggers, dummy syndrome. See also neonatal maladjustment syndrome.

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dummy calf syndrome

thought to be a behavior problem inherited in some breeds; the newborn calf is bright and alert but lacks teat seeking and teat sucking reflexes.

dummy disease

said of lambs born with hydranencephaly due to intrauterine infection with bluetongue virus, usually the vaccine strain.