talon
n. C2 Proficiency US //ˈtæɫən// UK //tˈælɒn// talon
n. a sharp, curved claw on a bird of prey. It is used for catching and killing its prey.
n. a curved, sickle-shaped claw on the foot of a bird of prey, used for grasping and killing prey.
The eagle used its powerful talon to catch the fish.
The falcon's sharp talon pierced the skin of the rabbit as it dove from the sky.
The raptor's talon is a marvel of evolutionary engineering, featuring a unique keratin sheath that allows for both incredible grip strength and the ability to tear through tough hide.
From Middle English talon, taloun, from Old French talon (“heel, spur”), from Medieval Latin tālōnem, from Proto-Romance *tālōnis, from Latin tālus (“ankle”).