claw (redirected from claws)

claw (klaw) a nail of an animal, particularly a carnivore, that is long and curved and has a sharp end.

---

cat's claw  a woody South American vine, Uncaria tomentosa or a preparation of its root bark, which has antiviral, immunostimulant, and antiinflammatory properties and is used in folk medicine.

devil's claw  a perennial herb, Harpagophytum procumbens, whose dried tubular secondary roots and lateral tubers are used for dyspepsia, loss of appetite, and rheumatism; also used in homeopathy for rheumatism and in folk medicine.

---

claw

1. integumentary appendages at the extremities of the digits of carnivores and some other animals. Because of their sharp ends they are effective in their role of holding and tearing prey. They are sheathed by the action of elastic ligaments unless the flexor muscles are tensed, but can be actively retracted in Felidae, except the cheetah.

2. an alternative name for a digit in cloven-footed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

3. metal manifold in a milking machine cluster which connects the teat cups and the milk line; carries the air admission hole which allows the controlled entry of air from the environment to the vacuum unit of the milking machine.

---

claw amputation

a surgical procedure that removes one digit of cattle, usually as a salvage procedure in septic pedal arthritis.

dew claw

see dewclaw.

claw fold

the skin fold covering the base of the nail in dogs and cats.

claw fracture

fractures of the third phalanx in cattle occur uncommonly, usually due to trauma, nutritional disease and penetrating wounds.

ingrown claw

likely to develop in Felidae denied the opportunity to rake with their claws, and in Canidae, especially dewclaws.

overgrown claw

common in old inactive birds. Causes difficulty in moving.