What is "loof"

Loof \Loof\ (l[=oo]f), n. (Bot.) The spongelike fibers of the fruit of a cucurbitaceous plant ( Luffa [AE]gyptiaca); called also vegetable sponge.

Loof \Loof\ (l[=oo]f or l[u^]f; 277), n. [See Luff.] [Also written luff.] (Naut.)

1. Formerly, some appurtenance of a vessel which was used in changing her course; -- probably a large paddle put over the lee bow to help bring her head nearer to the wind.

2. The part of a ship's side where the planking begins to curve toward bow and stern.

Loof \Loof\, v. i. (Naut.) See Luff.

"palm of the hand," Scottish and Northern English, c.1300, from Old Norse lofe, cognate with Gothic lofa, Russian lapa "paw," Lettish lepa "paw."

Etymology 1 n. 1 (context anatomy now chiefly dialectal Northern England Scotland English) The palm of the hand. 2 (context anatomy now chiefly dialectal Northern England Scotland English) The hand, especially, the hand outspread and upturned. Etymology 2

n. 1 (context nautical obsolete English) A contrivance (apparently a paddle or an oar) used for altering the course of a ship. 2 (context nautical English) The after part of the bow of a ship where the sides begin to curve. Etymology 3

n. The spongy fibers of the fruit of a cucurbitaceous plant (''Luffa aegyptiaca'').

Loof or Lööf (Swedish variant) is a Germanic surname that may refer to

• Annie Lööf (born 1983), Swedish politician
• Augustine Loof (born 1996), Dutch football player
• Dajana Lööf (born 1983), Swedish singer, songwriter and TV-host
• Ernst Loof (1907–1956), German automotive engineer and racing driver
• Fredrik Lööf (born 1969), Swedish sailor
• Jan Lööf (born 1940), Swedish illustrator, author, comic creator, and jazz musician
• Romain De Loof (born 1941), Belgian cyclist
• Ylva Lööf (born 1958), Swedish actress