claw

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles
  2. noun a mechanical device that is curved or bent to suspend or hold or pull something
  3. noun a grasping structure on the limb of a crustacean or other arthropods

Etymology

From Middle English clawe, from Old English clawu, from Proto-Germanic *klawō. Compare West Frisian klau, Dutch klauw, German Klaue, Danish, Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk, and Swedish klo.

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