1. Sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles
   "The cat's claws retracted as it relaxed"
    
2. A bird's foot
   "The eagle's powerful claws gripped the fish"
    
3. A grasping structure on the limb of a crustacean or other arthropods
   "The lobster used its large claw to crack open the shell of its prey";
   - chela, nipper, pincer
    
4. A mechanical device that is curved or bent to suspend or hold or pull something
   "They used a claw to lift the heavy crate";
   - hook

1. Scratch, scrape, pull, or dig with claws or nails
   "The dog clawed at the door, wanting to go outside"
    
2. Attack as if with claws
   "The politician clawed his rival"
    
3. Move as if by clawing, seizing, or digging
   "They clawed their way to the top of the mountain"
    
4. Clutch as if in panic
   "She clawed the doorknob"
    
5. Acquire or achieve something through aggressive effort
   "He clawed his way to the top of the company"

Derived forms: clawed, clawing, claws

Type of: appendage, assail, assault, attack, bird's foot, clutch, extremity, horny structure, lash out, make, mechanical device, member, prehend [archaic], round, scrape, scratch, scratch up, seize, take hold, take hold of, unguis, work

Part of: clothes hanger, coat hanger, crustacean, dress hanger, grapnel, grapple, grappler, grappling hook, grappling iron, hanger

Encyclopedia: Claw, Thomas