Numerous factors can affect hoof structure and health, including genetics, hoof conformation, environmental influences, nutrition, and athletic performance of the animal.

The meaning of HOOF is 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.

A hoof is a hard, flexible covering that protects the toes of ungulate mammals. Because all hoofed animals essentially walk on the tips of their toes, hooves provide a strong, insensitive surface …

HOOF definition: 1. the hard part on the bottom of the feet of animals such as horses, sheep, and deer 2. to kick a…. Learn more.

Hoof definition: the horny covering protecting the ends of the digits or encasing the foot in certain animals, as the ox and horse.. See examples of HOOF used in a sentence.

Definition of 'hoof' hoof (huːf ) Word forms: hoofs or hooves countable noun [usually plural]

Jul 16, 2025 · A hoof is a hard covering that protects the tips of the toes in certain mammals. It is made primarily of keratin, the same protein that forms human hair and nails.

Definition of hoof noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

hoof (hʊf, huf) n., pl. hoofs hooves for 1,2,4; hoof for 3,5; n. 1. the horny covering protecting the ends of the digits or encasing the foot in certain animals, as the ox and horse.

The name derives from the feet, which are carved to resemble a deer's cloven hoof.