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