Webster's English Dictionary

Enter the word to look up:

loom

1. loom \'lu:m\ n [ME lome tool, loom, fr. OE gelo-ma tool; akin to MD 
   allame [prob. of Scand origin; akin to ON hlummr handle of an oar]X tool 1: 
   a frame or machine for interlacing at right angles two or more sets of t 
   hreads or yarns to form a cloth 2: the part of an oar that is inboard from 
   the oarlock 
2. loom vi [origin unknown] 1: to come into sight esp. above the surface of 
   the sea or land in enlarge d or distorted and indistinct form often as a 
   result of atmospheric conditions 2a: to appear in an impressively great or 
   exaggerated form  2b: to take shape as an impending occurrence 
3. loom n : the indistinct and exaggerated appearance of something seen on 
   the horiz on or through fog or darkness; also : a looming shadow or 
   reflection