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claw
[ klaw ]
noun
- a sharp, usually curved, nail on the foot of an animal, as on a cat, dog, or bird.
- a similar curved process at the end of the leg of an insect.
- the pincerlike extremity of specific limbs of certain arthropods:
lobster claws.
- any part or thing resembling a claw, as the cleft end of the head of a hammer.
- Typography. the hooklike projection from the right side of an r or from the bowl of a g.
- (in a motion-picture mechanism) a device having one or two teeth that hook into the perforations of a length of film and move it one frame at a time at any given speed.
- Jewelry. one of a group of slender, tapering metal projections rising from the base of a jewelry setting, used to hold a transparent or faceted gemstone in position. Compare prong ( def 4 ).
verb (used with object)
- to tear, scratch, seize, pull, etc., with or as if with claws:
The kitten clawed my sweater to shreds.
- to make by or as if by scratching, digging, etc., with hands or claws:
to claw a hole in the earth.
- to proceed by or as if by using the hands:
He clawed his way through the crowd.
verb (used without object)
- to scratch, tear, or dig with or as if with claws:
The cat clawed and hissed in fear.
- to make fumbling motions:
He clawed at the door. She clawed for the light switch.
- Scot. to scratch gently, as to relieve itching.
verb phrase
claw
/ klɔː /
noun
- a curved pointed horny process on the end of each digit in birds, some reptiles, and certain mammals
- a corresponding structure in some invertebrates, such as the pincer of a crab
- a part or member like a claw in function or appearance
- botany the narrow basal part of certain petals and sepals
verb
- to scrape, tear, or dig (something or someone) with claws, etc
- tr to create by scratching as with claws
to claw an opening
claw
/ klô /
- A sharp, curved nail at the end of a toe of a mammal, reptile, or bird.
- A pincer, as of a lobster or crab, used for grasping.
Derived Forms
- ˈclawer, noun
- ˈclawless, adjective
Other Words From
- clawer noun
- clawless adjective
- de·claw verb (used with object)
Word History and Origins
Origin of claw1
Word History and Origins
Origin of claw1
Example Sentences
Many streets are littered with the contents of the bins, with rubbish strewn everywhere as animals have clawed their way into them.
Having first blocked a shot from Fernandes, Raya somehow regained his position to claw the ball away from right on the line as a dramatic late United winner looked certain.
All Awwal Musa's fingers were clawed and her legs discharged pus.
A three-pronged claw descended from above and plucked a stone off the seabed.
Ontario Christian clawed back, went ahead for the first time, 27-26, with 2:31 left in the second quarter and held a 29-27 lead at halftime.
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