Words at Play : Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 2

#8: Dewclaw

Definition:

a vestigial digit not reaching to the ground on the foot of a mammal, or a claw or hoof terminating such a digit

Example Sentence:

Because our puppy's dewclaws were loose and often got snagged on things, the vet suggested we have them removed.

About the Word:

This word's origin is unknown, but one theory has it that a dewclaw touches only the dew, and not the grassy ground it rests on.

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