The Runt of a Litter Is Not Simply the Smallest
A runt is an undersized animal in a litter. Its disadvantage is usually a matter of position.
A runt is the smallest and weakest animal in a litter, and dismissively a small person. The size difference often begins before birth: a uterine horn has positions closer to and further from the blood supply, and a foetus implanted at a poorly served spot receives less nourishment throughout gestation. After birth the disadvantage compounds, since a smaller animal competes badly for the best teats. Many runts catch up entirely once weaned. The word's origin is uncertain; it first meant a small ox or cow.
- The smallest of a litter. *The runt.*
- A small person. *A runt.*
- A small ox (archaic). *A runt.*
- Runty — undersized. *Runty.*
- Uncertain origin. *The 1500s.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | runt | A runt. |
| Plural | runts | Runts. |
| Adjective | runty | Runty. |
| Related | litter | A litter. |
| Origin | uncertain | The 1500s. |
- She kept the runt.Litter.
- Position in the womb matters.Biology.
- Many runts catch up.Outcome.
Why runts occur
- Implantation position affects blood supply during gestation
- Large litters stretch the available nourishment
- Competition at birth favours the strongest for the best teats
- The gap often closes after weaning
- Runt is not a genetic category, only a position
Origin uncertain, recorded from the 1500s, originally meaning a small ox or cow.
Why is one animal in a litter smaller?
Often because of where it implanted in the uterus, which affects blood supply, compounded by competition after birth.
Do runts stay small?
Frequently not. Many catch up entirely once weaned and competition for milk ends.