dewclaw

[ doo-klaw, dyoo- ]

/ ˈduˌklɔ, ˈdyu- /

noun

a functionless claw of some dogs, not reaching the ground in walking.

an analogous false hoof of deer, hogs, etc.

Nearby words

dewar flask, dewar vessel, dewar, sir james, dewater, dewberry, dewclaw, dewdrop, dewey, dewey decimal classification, dewey decimal system, dewey, george

Origin of dewclaw

1570–80; dew + claw; cf. dewlap

Related formsdew·clawed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for dewclaw

dewclaw

/ (ˈdjuːˌklɔː) /

noun

a nonfunctional claw in dogs; the rudimentary first digit

an analogous rudimentary hoof in deer, goats, etc

Derived Formsdewclawed, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012