Dictionary
1hoof
noun \ˈhu̇f, ˈhüf\
: the hard covering on the foot of an animal (such as a horse or pig)
plural hooves \ˈhüvz, ˈhu̇vz\ also hoofs
Full 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>
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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
2hoof
verb
: to dance as a performer
Full Definition of HOOF
transitive verb
1
: walk <hoofed it to the lecture hall>
intransitive verb
: to move on the feet; especially : dance
See hoof defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HOOF
1641
HOOF Defined for Kids
hoof
noun \ˈhu̇f, ˈhüf\
plural hooves \ˈhu̇vz, ˈhüvz\ or hoofs
Definition of HOOF for Kids
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\ adjective
Medical Dictionary
hoof
noun \ˈhu̇f, ˈhüf\
plural hooves \ˈhüvz, ˈhu̇vz\ 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
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