unguis

[ uhng-gwis ]

noun

, plural un·gues [uhng, -gweez].

1. a nail, claw, or hoof.
2. Botany. the clawlike base of certain petals.

unguis

/ ˈʌŋɡwɪs /

noun

1. a nail, claw, or hoof, or the part of the digit giving rise to it
2. the clawlike base of certain petals

Word History and Origins

Origin of unguis¹

1685–95; < Latin unguis a nail, claw, hoof; akin to Greek ónyx

Word History and Origins

Origin of unguis¹

C18: from Latin

Example Sentences

In the horse it arises, by a small tendon, from a tubercle which occupies the external surface of the os unguis, or lachrymal bone.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a thin, clear white shell, and is well named, from unguis, a finger-nail, which it much resembles.

From Project Gutenberg

Nail: a tarsal claw: specifically the stout pointed claws in predatory Heteroptera = unguis.

From Project Gutenberg

Secondly and thirdly, Bignonia unguis with its close allies, and Cardiospermum; but their tendrils are so short that their contraction could hardly occur, and would be quite superfluous.

From Project Gutenberg

The malar bone, and the os unguis or lachrymal, are more or less developed according to the species considered.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fingernail
• paw
• tentacle