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clavus

American  
[kley-vuhs, klah-] / ˈkleɪ vəs, ˈklɑ- /

noun

plural

clavi
  1. Psychiatry. an intense headache in which the pain is likened to one that would be produced by a sharp object driven into the skull.

  2. (in ancient Rome) a vertical stripe or band of purple worn on the tunic by senators and equites.

  3. Entomology. clavola.


Etymology

Origin of clavus

1800–10; < Latin: literally, nail; akin to claudere to close

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But in this case, scientists discovered a giant structure built entirely out of one species of coral, known as Pavona clavus.

From NewsForKids.net • Nov. 27, 2024

The coral is a species called Pavona clavus and provides a home to shrimp, crabs, fish and other marine creatures.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2024

Some of the worst cases of clavus, probably, that have ever been seen were developed in the old days of phlebotomy.

From Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it by Anstie, Francis E.

One of the very worst cases of clavus which I ever saw happened after h�morrhage in labor; the pain was so severe and prostrating that it appeared likely the patient would become insane.

From Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it by Anstie, Francis E.

The vertical ornaments correspond to the Roman clavus.

From Museum of Antiquity A Description of Ancient Life by Haines, T. L. (Thomas Louis)