Talon

Noun

Definition: The claw of a bird of prey, especially that of a raptor such as an eagle, hawk, or falcon.

Synonyms: Claw, Nail, Hook

Antonyms: Palm, Hand, Foot

Examples:

The hawk's talons were sharp and deadly.
The eagle swooped down and caught its prey with its powerful talons.

Mnemonics:

Think of a bird of prey gripping its prey with its talons.
Imagine the sharpness of talons resembling sharp nails or hooks.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'taloun', from Old French 'talon', from Vulgar Latin 'talo', from Latin 'talus' meaning "ankle".

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the 14th century with the specific meaning of "claw of a bird of prey".

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Sink one's talons into"

Explanation:

To firmly grasp or hold onto something or someone, often with the intention of causing harm or exerting control.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

"Talon" only refers to the claws of eagles or hawks.

Explanation:

While "talon" is commonly associated with the claws of birds of prey, it can also be used to describe the claws of other animals or even metaphorically to describe sharp, curved structures in various contexts.