noun / verb
paw
PAW/pɔː/
The clawed or padded foot of an animal.
The underside of the cat's paw has soft pads and small claws.
Etymology
Old French poe covered both a paw and a fist. English used the word for an animal’s foot with nails or claws, distinguishing it from a hoof; the French word’s deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
cat claws on the other paw grow directly off of the bone from a growth center
More examples
- The puppy leaves muddy paw prints across the kitchen floor.
- The dog paws at the door until someone opens it.
- He paws through the drawer, scattering papers as he searches.
Forms
paw · paws · pawed · pawing
Similar words
- foot
- A broader term, not limited to clawed or padded feet.
- forefoot
- Specifically a front foot, whether padded, clawed, or hoofed.