claw
/klɔ/
noun
- A sharp, curved nail on the foot of an animal, especially a bird, reptile, or mammal.
- Eagles use their sharp claws to catch fish from the river.
- The cat extended its claw to scratch the sofa.
- The bear's claw left deep marks on the tree trunk.
- A part of a tool or machine that is shaped like an animal's claw, used for gripping, pulling, or lifting.
- The robot's claw picked up the heavy metal piece.
- He used the claw on the back of the tool to pry open the crate.
- The claw of the hammer is used to remove nails.
- The pincer of a crustacean, such as a crab or lobster.
- The shrimp's tiny claw is not strong enough to hurt you.
- We cracked the crab's claw to get the meat inside.
- The lobster raised its claw in a defensive posture.
verb
- To scratch, tear, or pull at something with claws or fingernails.
- She clawed the dirt away from the buried treasure.
- The frightened bird clawed at the cage bars.
- The kitten clawed at the curtains, leaving small holes.
- To move or make progress with difficulty, often by using one's hands or claws.
- The company clawed its way back from bankruptcy.
- She clawed through the pile of papers looking for the receipt.
- The hiker clawed his way up the steep cliff.
Synonyms