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Glite Dictionary
unguis

unguis

9.9
A hard covering like a nail that protects the end of a finger, toe, or paw
  • noun
  • /ˈʌŋɡwɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : unguis
  • Damage to the unguis can lead to infections if not properly cared for.

Examples

  • The cat's unguis is sharp and retractable.

  • The veterinarian explained that the cat’s unguis had grown too long and needed to be trimmed.

  • Certain reptiles have a sharply curved unguis adapted for climbing.

  • She carefully trimmed her unguis to avoid injury.

  • The unguis of the horse protects its sensitive feet from injury.

  • She carefully trimmed her unguis to keep her fingernails looking neat.

  • The eagle's unguis is sharp and strong, making it an excellent hunter.

Synonyms

horny structure
vsunguis
  • Specialized
7.7

A hard body part made mostly of the same stuff as nails and hair, like a horn or hoof

focuses on nails and claws found on humans and animals

Compounds

Pithecellobium unguis-cati
  • Specialized
9.9

A bush from Florida and the West Indies with few thorns, curved pods, and shiny black seeds

Surface Forms

unguis singular
ungues plural

Etymology

The word unguis comes from the Latin unguis, which means 'nail' or 'claw'. Think of a fingernail, a cat's claw, or a horse's hoof, because unguis is the name for that hard part on people and animals.