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 being2: 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