Definition of hoof
hooves
play \ˈhüvz, ˈhu̇vz\ alsohoofs
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
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Illustration of hoof
Origin and Etymology 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
hoof
Definition of hoof
Examples of hoof in a Sentence
The cast was hoofing on the stage.
1641
First Known Use of hoof
1641
HOOF Defined for English Language Learners
hoof
playDefinition of hoof for English Language Learners
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: the hard covering on the foot of an animal (such as a horse or pig)
hoof
Definition of hoof for English Language Learners
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: to dance as a performer
HOOF Defined for Kids
hoof
playDefinition of hoof for Students
hooves
\ˈhu̇vz, ˈhüvz\ orhoofs
1 : a covering of tough material that protects the ends of the toes of some animals (as horses, oxen, or pigs)
2 : a foot (as of a horse) covered by a hoof
hoofed
\ˈhu̇ft, ˈhüft\ adjectiveMedical Dictionary
Illustration of hoof
Learn More about hoof
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See words that rhyme with hoof Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hoof Spanish Central: Translation of hoof Nglish: Translation of hoof for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hoof for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hoof
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