hoof

¹hoof

noun \ˈhu̇f, ˈhüf\

plural hooves \ˈhüvz, ˈhu̇vz\ also hoofs

Definition of HOOF

1

: a curved covering of horn that protects the front of or encloses the ends of the digits of an ungulate mammal and that corresponds to a nail or claw

2

: a hoofed foot especially of a horse

— on the hoof

of a meat animal : before butchering : living <90¢ a pound on the hoof>

Illustration of HOOF

Origin of HOOF

Middle English, from Old English hōf; akin to Old High German huof hoof, Sanskrit śapha

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with HOOF

goof, kloof, poof, pouf, proof, roof, spoof, woof

²hoof

verb

Definition of HOOF

transitive verb

1

: walk <hoofed it to the lecture hall>

2

: kick, trample

intransitive verb

: to move on the feet; especially : dance

Examples of HOOF

1. The cast was hoofing on the stage.

First Known Use of HOOF

1641

hoof

noun \ˈhu̇f, ˈhüf\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; hooves \ˈhüvz, ˈhu̇vz\ (audio pronunciation) (audio pronunciation)also ; hoofs

Medical Definition of HOOF

: a horny covering that protects the ends of the toes of numerous plant-eating 4-footed mammals (as horses or cattle); also : a hoofed foot

Illustration of HOOF