(1):
(n.) The fibrous skeleton of the fruit, used as a sponge and in the manufacture of caps and women's hats; - written also loofah.
(2):
(n.) Any plant of this genus, or its fruit.
(3):
(n.) A small genus of tropical cucurbitaceous plants having white flowers, the staminate borne in racemes, and large fruits with a dry fibrous pericarp. The fruit of several species and the species themselves, esp. L. Aegyptiaca, are called dishcloth gourds.