claw

¹claw

noun, often attributive \ˈklȯ\

Definition of CLAW

1

: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal

2

: any of various sharp curved processes especially at the end of a limb (as of an insect); also : a limb ending in such a process

3

: one of the pincerlike organs terminating some limbs of various arthropods (as a lobster or scorpion)

4

: something that resembles a claw; specifically : the forked end of a tool (as a hammer)

— clawed \ˈklȯd\ adjective

— claw·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of CLAW

1. The eagle was carrying a mouse in its sharp claws.
2. The excavating machine's claw dug into the earth.
3. the claw of a hammer

Origin of CLAW

Middle English clawe, from Old English clawu hoof, claw; akin to Old Norse klō claw, and probably to Old English cliewen ball — more at clew

First Known Use: before 12th century

²claw

verb

Definition of CLAW

transitive verb

: to rake, seize, dig, or progress with or as if with claws

intransitive verb

: to scrape, scratch, dig, or pull with or as if with claws

Examples of CLAW

1. How can we stop the cat from clawing the drapes?
2. The dog clawed a hole in the carpet.
3. She tried to claw his face with her fingernails.

First Known Use of CLAW

before 12th century

claw

noun \ˈklȯ\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CLAW

: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal

—clawed \ˈklȯd\ (audio pronunciation) adjective