louver

[loo-ver] /ˈlu vər/
noun
1.
any of a series of narrow openings framed at their longer edges with slanting, overlapping fins or slats, adjustable for admitting light and air while shutting out rain.
2.
a fin or slat framing such an opening.
3.
a ventilating turret or lantern, as on the roof of a medieval building.
4.
any of a system of slits formed in the hood of an automobile, the door of a metal locker, etc., used especially for ventilation.
5.
a door, window, or the like, having adjustable louvers.
verb (used with object)
6.
to make a louver in; add louvers to:
to louver a door.
Also, especially British, louvre.
Origin
1325-75; Middle English lover < Middle French lovier < Middle Dutch love gallery. See lobby
Related forms
louvered, adjective
Can be confused
louver, Louvre, lover.
Examples from the web for louver
  • Using the aluminum louver as a template, trace an inside circle so that the louver will fit snugly and not fall in.
  • Natural light will filter in through a louver system, part of the building's exterior.
  • Remove the plywood that covers the fresh air louver in the boiler room.
  • The light modules are fitted with a snoot and hex cell louver to cut down high angle glare from the face of the lamp.
  • Wooden fixed louver vents were custom-made and installed.
  • Install new electric unit heater, exhaust fan and motor operating damper and louver for new pump house extension.
British Dictionary definitions for louver

louvre

/ˈluːvə/
noun
1.
  1. any of a set of horizontal parallel slats in a door or window, sloping outwards to throw off rain and admit air
  2. Also called louvre boards. the slats together with the frame supporting them
2.
(architect) a lantern or turret that allows smoke to escape
Word Origin
C14: from Old French lovier, of obscure origin
Word Origin and History for louver
n.

also louvre, early 14c., "domed turret-like structure atop a building to disperse smoke and admit light," from Old French lovier, of uncertain origin. One theory connects it to Medieval Latin *lodarium, which might be from a Germanic source (cf. Old High German louba "upper room, roof;" see lobby). Another suggests it is from French l'ouvert, literally "the open place," from le, definite article, + past participle of ouvrir "to open." Meaning "overlapping strips in a window (to let in air but keep out rain)" first recorded 1550s. The form has been influenced by apparently unrelated French Louvre, the name of the palace in Paris, which is said to be so named because its builder, Philip Augustus, intended it as a wolf kennel. Related: Louvered.