talon

tal·on

noun \ˈta-lən\

Definition of TALON

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

Examples of TALON

1. The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.

Origin of TALON

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with TALON

gallon, Tallinn