Main Entry: tal·on

Pronunciation: \ˈta-lən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English taloun heel, hind claw of a bird of prey, from Anglo-French talun, from Vulgar Latin *talon-, *talo, from Latin talus ankle, anklebone

Date: 15th century

1 a : the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey b : a finger or hand of a human being
2 : a part or object shaped like or suggestive of a heel or claw: as a : an ogee molding b : the shoulder of the bolt of a lock on which the key acts to shoot the bolt
3 a : cards laid aside in a pile in solitaire b : stock 10c

— tal·oned \-lənd\ adjective