Word
talon
US/ˈtæɫən/
UK/tˈælɒn/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The eagle used its powerful talon to catch the fish.”
contextual
“The falcon's sharp talon pierced the skin of the rabbit as it dove from the sky.”
complex
“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.”
Real-World Examples
“He starts this new series about incredible but endangered birds in Kenya, where the martial eagle – huge yellow eyes, terrifying talons, thighs of steel – blows him away.” “Buckingham Palace yanks stay offer to Prince Harry for London visit: ‘DISAPPOINTING’
The predatory British press are already sharpening their talons.” Etymology
From Middle English talon, taloun, from Old French talon (“heel, spur”), from Medieval Latin tālōnem, from Proto-Romance *tālōnis, from Latin tālus (“ankle”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
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