Claw

Definition

Claw is (1) a noun for a curved, pointed structure at the end of an animal’s limb (e.g., a cat’s claw, a bird’s talon; in crustaceans, a pincer or chela); (2) by extension, any tool part shaped for gripping, pulling, or prying (e.g., the claw of a hammer); and (3) a verb meaning to scratch, dig, seize, or struggle forward with the hands or claws; in finance/law, to claw back means to recover money or benefits already given.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (transitive & intransitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /klɔ/
• Respelling: KLAW

British English

• IPA: /klɔː/
• Respelling: KLAW

Etymology

Old English clawu “claw, talon,” from Proto-Germanic *klōwō (cf. Old Norse kló, Old High German clāwa), ultimately related to a root meaning “hook, curve.” The figurative and technical extensions (tool part; “claw back”) arose later in English.

Derivatives

• clawed (adjective/verb past participle) — having claws; scratched
• clawless (adjective) — lacking claws
• clawlike (adjective) — resembling a claw
• clawback (noun) — recovery of paid-out funds or benefits
• claw hammer (compound noun) — a hammer with a bifurcated prying end

Synonyms

• Noun (animals): talon, nail, pincer, chela (technical)
• Noun (tools): hook, pry end, extractor
• Verb: scratch, rake, tear at, grapple, dig, scrape; recover (for “claw back”)

Antonyms

• Verb (physical action): smooth, soothe, pat
• Verb (finance “claw back”): grant, waive, forgive

Usage

Noun: “The hawk’s claws closed around its prey.” / “Use the hammer’s claw to pull the nail.”

Verb: “The cat clawed at the sofa.” / “She clawed her way up the icy slope.” / “Regulators sought to claw back the bonuses.”

Related Terms

• Talon: Bird of prey’s claw.
• Nail: Flattened keratin structure in primates (contrasts with claws).
• Chela: Scientific term for the pincer of crustaceans and some arachnids.
• Dewclaw: Small, higher toe/claw on some mammals.
• Retractile claws: Claws that can be drawn back (e.g., domestic cats).
• Claw crane / claw machine: Arcade machine with a gripping claw.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A curved, pointed keratinous structure at the end of an animal’s digit; used for grasping, climbing, defense, or predation.
  • Example: “The kitten’s tiny claws are sharp.”
• A pincer (chela) of crustaceans and some arachnids.
  • Example: “The crab’s front claws are powerful.”
• A hooked or forked tool part designed to grip or pry.
  • Example: “Use the hammer’s claw to remove bent nails.”

Verb

• To scratch, rake, or tear at with claws or fingernails; to dig or scrape.
  • Example: “He clawed at the door in panic.”
• To seize or hold onto tightly, often desperately.
  • Example: “They clawed at the floating debris.”
• (Figurative) To struggle to advance with great effort (“claw one’s way”).
  • Example: “She clawed her way to the top of the rankings.”
• (Finance/Law) To claw back: to recover money or benefits previously paid out.
  • Example: “The firm sought to claw back overpayments.”