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Definition of "dewclaw" [dew•claw]

  • A vestigial digit or claw not reaching the ground and found on the feet of certain mammals. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "dewclaw" in a sentence
  • "* Six toes with functioning three-boned dewclaw, allowing them to grip rocks and climb."
  • "Sure enough, after the four plantigrade toes, he went for the dewclaw."
  • "The dark pads unfolded into thick, clawed fingers; instead of a dewclaw, the thing had a thumb."