Definition of the word claw

Pronunciation of vocabulary claw

clawnoun

vuốt

/klɔː//klɔː/

Origin of the word claw

In Old English, "claw" referred specifically to the sharp, curved nails of birds, such as eagles and hawks. Over time, the word expanded to include the talons of other animals, like cats and bears. In the 14th century, the term "claw" also began to describe the grasping or seizing action associated with these sharp nails or talons. Today, the word "claw" has taken on a broader meaning, encompassing a variety of sharp or curved structures, from fingernails to claws used as tools or instruments. I hope that's a helpful scratching post of information for you!

Vocabulary summary claw

typenoun

meaningclaw (cat, bird)

examplethe tiger clawed at the pig

meaningclawed feet

meaningpincers...)

typetransitive verb

meaningclaw

examplethe tiger clawed at the pig

meaningscratch; tear (with claws)

meaningscratch

Example of vocabulary clawnamespace

meaning

one of the sharp curved nails on the end of an animal’s or a bird’s foot

một trong những chiếc đinh cong sắc nhọn ở đầu chân của một con vật hoặc một con chim

  • The cat lashed out with its claws.

    Con mèo tấn công bằng móng vuốt của nó.

Extra examples:
  • The lion growled and showed its claws.

    Con sư tử gầm gừ và giơ móng vuốt ra.

  • The tiger dug its claws into his leg.

    Con hổ cắm móng vuốt vào chân anh.

  • a cat with sharp claws

    một con mèo có móng vuốt sắc nhọn

meaning

a long, sharp curved part of the body of some types of shellfish, used for catching and holding things

phần cơ thể dài và nhọn, cong của một số loại động vật có vỏ, dùng để bắt và giữ đồ vật

  • the claws of a crab

    móng vuốt của một con cua

meaning

part of a tool or machine, like a claw, used for holding, pulling or lifting things

bộ phận của một công cụ hoặc máy móc, như móng vuốt, dùng để giữ, kéo hoặc nâng đồ vật

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary claw

Idioms of vocabulary claw

get your claws into somebody
(disapproving)to manage to get into a relationship with somebody in a way that gives you control over them
  • She’s really got her claws into you!
    • to criticize somebody severely
  • Wait until the media gets its claws into her.
    • red in tooth and claw
    involving opposition or competition that is violent and without sympathy
  • nature, red in tooth and claw

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