tuft

¹tuft

noun \ˈtəft\

Definition of TUFT

1

a : a small cluster of elongated flexible outgrowths attached or close together at the base and free at the opposite ends; especially : a growing bunch of grasses or close-set plants

b : a bunch of soft fluffy threads cut off short and used as ornament

2

: clump, cluster

3

: mound

4

: any of the projections of yarns drawn through a fabric or making up a fabric so as to produce a surface of raised loops or cut pile

— tuft·ed \ˈtəf-təd\ adjective

— tufty \ˈtəf-tē\ adjective

Examples of TUFT

1. A tuft of hair stuck out from under his hat.

Origin of TUFT

Middle English, modification of Middle French touffe, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German zopf tip — more at top

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with TUFT

chuffed, ruffed

²tuft

verb

Definition of TUFT

transitive verb

1

a : to provide or adorn with a tuft

b : to make (a fabric) of or with tufts

2

: to make (as a mattress) firm by stitching at intervals and sewing on tufts

intransitive verb

: to form into or grow in tufts

— tuft·er noun

First Known Use of TUFT

1535

tuft

noun \ˈtəft\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TUFT

1

: a small cluster of elongated flexible outgrowths or parts attached or close together at the base and free at the opposite ends; especially : a small bunch of hairs on the body

2

: a branching anatomical structure that resembles a tuft