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Hooves Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hooves

[huːvz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal anatomy

The hard bottom part of the feet of animals such as horses, deer, and sheep.

Synonyms

claws, feet, paws.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hooves

This appears to be a duplicate and the context is the same: hard, tough coverings on the feet of certain animals like horses, cows, and deer.

  • The horse's hooves need to be regularly cleaned and maintained
claws

Use when talking about the sharp, curved nails on the toes of animals like cats, birds, and crustaceans. Often implies an ability to grasp or tear.

  • The eagle's claws are powerful enough to catch and hold its prey
paws

Use when referring to the feet of animals such as cats or dogs that have pads and claws. Carries a friendly, domestic connotation.

  • The cat gently placed its paws on my lap
feet

Use when referring to the lower extremities of humans or the terminal part of the legs of animals. It's a generic term not specifying the nature of the foot.

  • After hiking all day, my feet were sore and tired

Examples of usage

  • The sound of hooves on the ground echoed through the forest.
  • The horse's hooves were black and shiny.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Hooves are made of keratin, the same protein that makes human fingernails and hair.
  • They provide stability and support to large animals as they grow and weigh more.
  • In species like deer, hooves are split, allowing for better traction in various terrains.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, hooves symbolize strength and perseverance, often featured in folklore and art.
  • Hoofprints are often seen as symbols of nature's magic, leading to discussions about animals in storytelling.
  • Certain traditions, such as the use of horse hooves in midwinter festivals, celebrate the connection between horses and human society.

Sports and Recreation

  • Hoof care is essential in equestrian sports, where proper hoof health contributes to a horse's performance.
  • Rodeos often showcase how cowboys handle animals with hooves, highlighting their strength and agility.
  • In countries with rich equestrian cultures, specific events celebrate hoofed animals in races and shows.

Veterinary Science

  • Even small injuries to a hoof can lead to serious problems for hoofed animals, emphasizing the need for regular check-ups.
  • Veterinarians often examine hooves to assess the overall health of a horse or cow.
  • Different species have specialized treatments for hoof-related issues, from trimming to shoeing.

Origin of 'hooves'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hooves' comes from the Old English word 'hof', which means 'cloven foot'.
  • In German, the word 'Huf' means hoof, demonstrating similar roots across languages.
  • The transition from the singular form 'hoof' to plural 'hooves' displays a unique irregular noun form in English.

The word 'hooves' originated from the Old English word 'hōf', which in turn came from the Proto-Germanic 'hōfaz'. Hooves have been an essential part of animal anatomy for centuries, providing support, traction, and protection for various species. The evolution of hooves has been crucial in the development of animals' ability to move efficiently and survive in diverse environments.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,237, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.