louver

[ loo-ver ]

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)

1. to make a louver in; add louvers to:

   to louver a door.

Other Words From

• louvered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of louver¹

1325–75; Middle English lover < Middle French lovier < Middle Dutch love gallery. See lobby

Example Sentences

As Miranda and others walked on a metal grate over the channel, two workers in hard hats stood on a platform spraying water to clean algae off a metal louver.

From Los Angeles Times

So, in cooler temperatures, while the wax is solid, the louvers are closed and lay flat, exposing a surface that absorbs sunlight and minimizes heat dissipation through radiation.

From Science Daily

Millman said she was reassured, in part, by the fact that each sign will have “louvers,” which will limit the amount of light spillover.

From Los Angeles Times

New schools were built with similar ignorance of daily realities in the region — with, for instance, air-conditioning hookups instead of traditional slatted window louvers.

From New York Times

The louvers sit atop the radiator ducts and direct air out of the hood and any modifications could impact downforce.

From Seattle Times