talon

American  

[tal-uhn] / ˈtæl ən /

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.

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talon British  

/ 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

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talon Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• taloned adjective
• untaloned adjective

Etymology

Origin of talon

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

Example Sentences

“One usually turns upside down, so they meet talon to talon,” Taylor said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2025

He is walking, one black-tipped talon outstretched, wings flat at his side.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2023

The birders’ euphemism for catching a talon is “getting footed,” and it’s both extremely painful and difficult to remove.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2022

The attack lasted for more than an hour, they say, and video “shows two adult eagles battling on the ground in a desperate talon clinching struggle.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 13, 2019

The tiny talon sparkled like a jewel in the moonlight.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville