talon

noun

tal·​on ˈta-lən 

1

a

: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey

b

: a finger or hand of a human being

2

: a part or object shaped like or suggestive of a heel or claw: such as

a

: an ogee molding

b

: the shoulder of the bolt of a lock on which the key acts to shoot the bolt

3

a

: cards laid aside in a pile in solitaire

b

: stock sense 5c

taloned

ˈta-lənd 

adjective

Examples of talon in a Sentence

The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.

Recent Examples on the Web

Artificial talons have never produced something more authentically wonderful. —The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024

Over millions of years, the egg-laying mammal has evolved a duck bill, webbed feet tipped with tiny, venomous talons, as well as a flat, beaver-like tail. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024

There’s nothing quite like a good manicure to help one feel pulled together, and Hailey’s midnight-blue talons are perfect for the autumn season, plus, blue is the perfect hue for a boy mom. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024

Discovery and Paramount Global, meanwhile, can feel the albatross’s talons tightening. —Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taloun heel, hind claw of a bird of prey, from Anglo-French talun, from Vulgar Latin *talon-, *talo, from Latin talus ankle, anklebone

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

talon

noun

tal·​on ˈtal-ən 

: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey

Medical Definition

talon

noun

tal·​on ˈtal-ən 

: the crushing region of the crown of an upper molar