claw
4 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
claws
plural
claws
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLAW
[count]
1
:
a sharp curved part on the toe of an animal (such as a cat or bird)
— often used figuratively
-
The eagle was carrying a mouse in its sharp claws.
-
the bear's claws
-
They've only been dating for a few months and already she's got her claws into him! [=she already has control over him]
-
(chiefly Brit) The press has been getting its claws into him. [=has been attacking/criticizing him]
-
They're still trying to get their claws on her money. [=to get her money]
2
:
a body part of an animal (such as a lobster or crab) that is used for gripping and holding things
3
:
a part on a tool or machine that is used for gripping, digging, etc.
—
see picture at carpentry
-
The excavating machine's claw dug into the earth.
-
the claw of a hammer
—
see also bear claw
2
claw
/ˈklɑː/
verb
claws;
clawed;
clawing
2
claw
/ˈklɑː/
verb
claws;
clawed;
clawing
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLAW
:
to scratch, grip, or dig with claws or fingers
[no object]
— usually + at
-
The cat claws at the door when she wants to go outside.
-
The dog was clawing at the dirt.
-
She desperately clawed at her attacker's face.
[+ object]
-
How can we stop the cat from clawing the drapes/curtains?
-
The dog clawed a hole in the carpet.
-
She tried to claw his face with her fingernails.
claw back
[phrasal verb]
claw (something) back
or
claw back (something)
chiefly British
:
to get back (something, such as money or business) by acting in a forceful way or by doing something that requires a lot of effort
-
With budget cuts looming, the government is trying to claw back some of the money it promised to state agencies.
claw your way
:
to move ahead slowly by grabbing onto things
— often used figuratively
-
The climbers clawed their way up the steep terrain.
-
The company is clawing its way out of bankruptcy.
-
He clawed his way to the top of his profession.
