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