talon
Eagle's curved grip
A talon is the sharp, hooked claw of a bird of prey—eagles, hawks, owls, and the like.
The word emphasizes the gripping, tearing function: The hawk sank its talons into the rabbit.
Figuratively, talons suggest predatory grasp or control: escape the talons of debt collectors.
The word rarely applies to other animals' claws.
Large predatory bird
- falconSwift bird of prey
- hawkTaloned predatory bird
- ospreyFish-catching bird of prey
- kestrelSmall falcon, aerial hoverer
owl · vulture · condor · harpy · peregrine · shrike · bird of prey · hunter
Structural hair protein
- curvedSmoothly bent, not angular
- hookCurved catching device
- retractableAble to draw inward
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
pointed · scythe · sickle · digit · appendage · nail · scratch · lacerate
Mechanism linking engine to gearbox
secure · firm · tight · vise · squeeze · pinch · clasp · grapple
Animal being hunted
- pounceSudden attack leap
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- swoopRapid downward plunge
snatch · quarry · stalking · carnivore · kill · attack · diving · pursuit
eagle
Large predatory bird
kestrel · owl · vulture · condor · harpy · peregrine · shrike · bird of prey · hunter · predator
keratin
Structural hair protein
- curvedSmoothly bent, not angular
- hookCurved catching device
- retractableAble to draw inward
sharp · pointed · scythe · sickle · digit · appendage · nail · scratch · lacerate · puncture
clutch
Mechanism linking engine to gearbox
hold · secure · firm · tight · vise · squeeze · pinch · clasp · grapple · lock
prey
Animal being hunted
swoop · snatch · quarry · stalking · carnivore · kill · attack · diving · pursuit · capture
ogee
S-shaped architectural curve
- mouldingShaped decorative strip
- ornamentThing that beautifies
- decorativeServing to beautify
carved · corbel · finial · acanthus · scroll · motif · embellishment · gothic · gargoyle
deck
Ship's flat surface
foundation · patience · solitaire · dealing · layout