claw

• Nom désignant un ongle ou une excroissance pointue et incurvée au bout des doigts ou des pattes d'un animal, notamment d'un oiseau, d'un reptile ou d'un mammifère, servant à saisir, déchirer ou se défendre.

A noun referring to a curved, pointed nail or appendage on the foot of an animal, especially a bird, reptile, or mammal, used for gripping, tearing, or defense.

1. Animal appendageA2formal

   A curved, pointed nail on the foot of an animal, especially a mammal, bird, or reptile, used for gripping, climbing, or defense.

   griffe

   • The cat extended its sharp claws to scratch the furniture.
   • Eagles use their powerful claws to catch prey.
   • The bear's claws left deep marks on the tree trunk.

   Synonymesnailtalon

2. Mechanical partB1formal

   A curved, pointed part of a tool or machine, designed for gripping or pulling.

   griffe mécanique

   • The claw of the hammer is used to remove nails.
   • The crane's claw lifted the heavy metal beam.
   • The robot's claw carefully picked up the fragile object.

   Synonymescatchgrapplehookprong

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de gratter, déchirer ou attraper avec les griffes ou les ongles, souvent avec effort ou désespoir.

A verb used to indicate the act of scratching, tearing, or gripping with claws or fingernails, often with effort or desperation.

1. Scratch or tearB1formal

   To scratch, tear, or pull at something with claws or fingernails.

   Griffer ou déchirer

   • The cat clawed the sofa until it was ruined.
   • She clawed at the dirt trying to escape.
   • He clawed his way through the thick underbrush.

   Synonymesgougelaceratemaulripscrapescratchslashtear

2. Struggle to achieveB2informal

   To make a desperate or strenuous effort to obtain or achieve something.

   lutter âprement pour obtenir

   • The company clawed its way back to profitability.
   • She clawed her way to the top of her profession.
   • They clawed for every inch of progress in the negotiations.

   Synonymesbattlefightgrapplescrabblescramblestrugglewrestle