claw
UK[klɔː]US[klɑː]
n
a sharp, curved nail on the foot of an animal or bird
n
a similar curved, pointed part on the end of the leg of an insect, or a part like this on a tool or machine
v
to scratch or tear something with claws or with your fingernails
v
to try hard to get hold of something or move somewhere, especially by using your hands
Etymology
The word 'claw' originates from the Old English 'clawu', which referred to a claw, talon, or hoof. This term is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic 'klawō', a root that also gave rise to related words in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch 'klauw' and German 'Klaue'. The ultimate origin is traced to the Proto-Indo-European root 'gleu-', which carried the sense of 'to ball up' or 'to conglomerate', an action conceptually linked to the grasping and clutching function of a claw. Over time, the word's meaning narrowed and specialized from a general term for a grasping appendage to its modern, precise reference to the sharp, curved nail of an animal or bird, and by extension, to similar mechanical or tool parts.
Analysis
The word 'claw' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The eagle used its powerful claw to snatch the fish from the water.
Be careful not to scratch the table with the claw of the hammer.
The kitten will claw at the sofa if you don't provide a scratching post.