English Meaning & Definitions
A sharp, hooked claw, especially one belonging to a bird of prey.
- “The eagle gripped its prey firmly in its powerful talons.”
- “The owl descended silently, extending its talons to snatch the mouse from the grass.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “talon”.
Derived from the Old French 'talon' (heel), which itself comes from the Late Latin 'talonem', an accusative form of 'talus' meaning 'ankle' or 'heel'. The meaning shifted in Middle English to refer specifically to the claw of a bird of prey, likely due to the claw's position at the 'heel' or back of the foot.
Think of a bird of prey 'tallying' up its victims with its sharp claws.
Frequently Asked Questions About “talon”
1. What is the meaning of “talon” in English?
In English, talon (noun) is defined as: “A sharp, hooked claw, especially one belonging to a bird of prey.”.
2. How do you use “talon” in a sentence?
“The eagle gripped its prey firmly in its powerful talons.”
3. What are English synonyms of “talon”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “talon”?
Derived from the Old French 'talon' (heel), which itself comes from the Late Latin 'talonem', an accusative form of 'talus' meaning 'ankle' or 'heel'. The meaning shifted in Middle English to refer specifically to the claw of a bird of prey, likely due to the claw's position at the 'heel' or back of the foot.
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