claw
n. countablen. a sharp, curved nail on the foot of an animal or bird. You use this word to describe the parts animals use for digging or catching food.
n. a curved, pointed horny nail on each digit of the foot in birds, lizards, and many mammals. Also refers to the pincer-like organ at the end of a limb in certain crustaceans.
The cat used its sharp claws to climb the tree.
The eagle gripped the branch tightly with its powerful claws before taking flight.
Paleontologists examined the fossilized remains, noting that the length and curvature of the claws suggested a predatory lifestyle involving arboreal hunting.
From Middle English clawe, from Old English clawu, from Proto-Germanic *klawō. Compare West Frisian klau, Dutch klauw, German Klaue, Danish klo, Norwegian klo, and Swedish klo.
From Middle English clawen, from Old English clawan, clāwan, clēn, clawian, from Proto-Germanic klawjaną.
Commonly used in the plural when referring to an animal's set of nails.