First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1claw
noun, often attributive \ˈklȯ\
: a sharp curved part on the toe of an animal (such as a cat or bird)
: a body part of an animal (such as a lobster or crab) that is used for gripping and holding things
: a part on a tool or machine that is used for gripping, digging, etc.
Full Definition of CLAW
1
: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal
2
: any of various sharp curved processes especially at the end of a limb (as of an insect); also : a limb ending in such a process
3
: one of the pincerlike organs terminating some limbs of various arthropods (as a lobster or scorpion)
4
: something that resembles a claw; specifically : the forked end of a tool (as a hammer)
— clawed \ˈklȯd\ adjective
— claw·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See claw defined for English-language learners
See claw defined for kids
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Origin of CLAW
Middle English clawe, from Old English clawu hoof, claw; akin to Old Norse klō claw, and probably to Old English cliewen ball — more at clew
2claw
verb
: to scratch, grip, or dig with claws or fingers
Full Definition of CLAW
transitive verb
: to rake, seize, dig, or progress with or as if with claws
intransitive verb
: to scrape, scratch, dig, or pull with or as if with claws
See claw defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLAW
before 12th century
CLAW Defined for Kids
1claw
noun \ˈklȯ\
Definition of CLAW for Kids
1
: a sharp usually thin and curved nail on the finger or toe of an animal (as a cat or bird)
2
: the end of a limb of some animals (as an insect, scorpion, or lobster) that is pointed or used for grasping
2claw
verb
clawedclaw·ing
Definition of CLAW for Kids
: to scratch, seize, or dig with claws or fingers <They clawed a hole in the beach sand.>
Medical Dictionary
claw
noun \ˈklȯ\
Medical Definition of CLAW
: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal
—clawed \ˈklȯd\ adjective
Learn More About CLAW
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