talon

[ tal-uhn ]

noun

1. a claw, especially of a bird of prey.
2. the shoulder on the bolt of a lock against which the key presses in sliding the bolt.
3. Cards. the cards left over after the deal; stock.

talon

/ ˈtælən /

noun

1. a sharply hooked claw, esp of a bird of prey
2. anything resembling a bird's claw
3. the part of a lock that the key presses on when it is turned
4. cards the pile of cards left after the deal
5. architect another name for ogee
6. stock exchange a printed slip attached to some bearer bonds to enable the holder to apply for a new sheet of coupons

talon

/ tăl′ən /

1. One of the sharp, curved claws on a limb of a bird or other animal such as a lizard, used for seizing and tearing prey. Most talons are situated at the ends of digits.

Derived Forms

• ˈtaloned, adjective

Other Words From

• taloned adjective
• un·taloned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of talon¹

1350–1400; Middle English taloun < Anglo-French; Old French talon < Vulgar Latin *tālōn-, stem of *tālō, for Latin tālus heel

Word History and Origins

Origin of talon¹

C14: from Old French: heel, from Latin tālus heel