hammertoe

American  

[ham-er-toh] / ˈhæm ərˌtoʊ /

noun

Pathology.

1. a clawlike deformity of a toe, usually the second or third, in which there is a permanent flexion of the second and third joints.

2. a toe having such a deformity.

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hammertoe British  

/ ˈhæməˌtəʊ /

noun

1. a deformity of the bones of a toe causing the toe to be bent in a clawlike arch

2. such a toe

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Etymology

Origin of hammertoe

First recorded in 1885–90; hammer + toe

Example Sentences

If the above steps don’t relieve pain sufficiently, your doctor might recommend surgery to remove a bunion or straighten a hammertoe.

From Washington Post • Jul. 18, 2022

Painful conditions such as hammertoe, bunions and plantar fasciitis are common later in life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 22, 2016

In more pedestrian examples, we have toenail fungus, bunions, hammertoe and foot funk.

From Scientific American • Jul. 30, 2013

“Ignoring them is the same as making a loud cellphone call about your hammertoe surgery on the train.”

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2013

Your child may still trip over his own feet now and then, and let's face it, a hammertoe is often hereditary.

From Time Magazine Archive