Origins of hard outgrowth ruminant needs? (4)
I believe the answer is:
horn
'origins of hard outgrowth ruminant needs?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'origins of hard outgrowth ruminant needs?' is the wordplay.
'origins of' says to take the initial letters.
The first letters of 'hard outgrowth ruminant needs' is 'HORN'.
(Other definitions for horn that I've seen before include "Wind instrument - cape" , "Head growth; cornucopia" , "See 1 Across" , "Head appendage; warning instrument" , "Hollow outgrowth and musical instrument" .)