claw

Definition

A curved, pointed, horny projection on each digit of the foot of a mammal, reptile, or bird.

Etymology

From Middle English clawe, from Old English clawu, from Proto-Germanic *klawō. Compare West Frisian klau, Dutch klauw, German Klaue, Danish klo, Norwegian klo, and Swedish klo.

Example Sentences

• "a narrow base, as the petals of a Rose, where the claw is very short"