dewclaw

[ doo-klaw, dyoo- ]

noun

1. a functionless claw of some dogs, not reaching the ground in walking.
2. an analogous false hoof of deer, hogs, etc.

dewclaw

/ ˈdjuːˌklɔː /

noun

1. a nonfunctional claw in dogs; the rudimentary first digit
2. an analogous rudimentary hoof in deer, goats, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈdewˌclawed, adjective

Other Words From

• dewclawed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dewclaw¹

1570–80; dew + claw; dewlap