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

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

Pinguia crura luto, planta mox undique magna calcor, et in digito clavus mihi militis haeret.

From Readings from Latin Verse With Notes by Bushnell, Curtis C.

Claval suture: Hemiptera; at the base of hemelytra, separating the clavus.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.

He tells us, that whatever was made to be put on another thing, was called clavus, not because it had any resemblance to a nail, but because it was made an adjunct to another subject.

From A Dialogue Concerning Oratory, Or The Causes Of Corrupt Eloquence The Works Of Cornelius Tacitus, Volume 8 (of 8); With An Essay On His Life And Genius, Notes, Supplements by Tacitus, Cornelius