unguis

[ uhng-gwis ]

noun

, plural un·gues [uhng, -gweez].

1. a nail, claw, or hoof.
2. Botany. the clawlike base of certain petals.

unguis

/ ˈʌŋɡwɪs /

noun

1. a nail, claw, or hoof, or the part of the digit giving rise to it
2. the clawlike base of certain petals

Word History and Origins

Origin of unguis¹

1685–95; < Latin unguis a nail, claw, hoof; akin to Greek ónyx

Word History and Origins

Origin of unguis¹

C18: from Latin

Example Sentences

The ancient writers, seeing the valves separate, placed it in their systems under the name Patella Unguis.

From Project Gutenberg

Unguis: one of the claws at the end of the tarsus: also applied to a short process on the 6th antennal joint in some Aphids.

From Project Gutenberg

The malar bone, and the os unguis or lachrymal, are more or less developed according to the species considered.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fingernail
• paw
• tentacle