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claw

claw

24 2.9
A pincer on the front leg of a crab or lobster for holding and cutting
  • noun
  • /klɔ/
translation icon : pinza
  • With its sharp claw, the crab quickly snatched up the small fish that swam by.
  • crab claws
  • lobster claw
  • a large claw

I want to show you my favorite find of the day so far, and that was this crawfish claw.

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Examples

  • Of course, the crawdad was missing a claw, but it was better than nothing.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • The larger crab raises its claws and sidesteps in pursuit of the intruder.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • The shrimp can close its claw at amazing speeds.

  • And these front two claws are actually modified mouth parts.

  • But they crouched over the net, watching the crab push his claws through.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Their chef, Alfred DuPont, flies in stone crab claws... fresh from Florida every day.

  • The lobster's large claw is perfect for catching fish and holding onto rocks.

  • The crab extended its claw threateningly as we approached the tide pool.

Synonyms

pincer
vsclaw
4 6.7

A claw on animals like crabs and lobsters used to hold things or fight

is used mainly for catching rather than for manipulating items
nipper
vsclaw
1 8.9

A claw on animals like crabs and lobsters that holds or crushes food

is used more for catching things rather than for seizing them
grasper
vsclaw
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A claw or pincer on an animal that holds things

is a specific pincer-like limb structure rather than any holding appendage
chela
vsclaw
  • Specialized
9.9

A claw at the end of a limb on animals like crabs or lobsters that holds food

is the broader term used for similar structures across many arthropods

Idioms

To reach the top by fighting and pushing through many problems

tooth and claw
  • Literature
1 7.8

To fight very hard and often unfairly to win

9.9

Act in a very fierce and aggressive way when trying to keep or get something

Compounds

4 2.9

A sweet yeast pastry shaped like a semicircle with slits

3 2.9

A tool like a hammer with a curved end used to pull nails

1 6.4

A sharp claw from a bear used as an ornament or piece of jewelry

8.3

A carved or painted design that looks like a bear's claw on pottery and crafts

9.9

A shrub with curved seed pods and shiny black seeds

cat's-claw
  • Specialized
8.3

A plant or extract used as a medicine for inflammation and to help the immune system

3.6

A clip with two rows of teeth that lock together to hold hair

A small axe with a curved, split back used to pull nails and cut wood

A plant that lives one year with pale flowers marked with purple and a long curved seed pod

9.1

A plant with pale flowers spotted purple and a long curved seed pod like a claw

devil's claw
  • South African
7.8

A plant from southern Africa whose root is used to reduce swelling and joint pain

2.5

A clip with teeth and a spring that holds hair in place

A plant with claw-shaped seed pods that grows in sandy soil

How Strong

claw
24 2.9
pincer
4 6.7

Surface Forms

claw singular
claws plural

Etymology

Claw comes from the old English word clawu 'hook'. That is why a crab or lobster's claw is like a strong 'hook' or pincer for catching and holding things.