talon

UK: /ˈtælən/ US: /ˈtælən/ ,(tal′ən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

tal•on /ˈtælən/   n. [countable]

1. Zoology a claw, esp. of a bird of prey.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

tal•on  (tal′ən), n. 

1. Zoology a claw, esp. of a bird of prey.
2. Building the shoulder on the bolt of a lock against which the key presses in sliding the bolt.
3. Games [Cards.] the cards left over after the deal;
   stock.

• Vulgar Latin *tālōn-, stem of *tālō, for Latin tālus heel
• Anglo-French; Old French talon
• Middle English taloun 1350–1400

tal′oned, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

talon / ˈtælən/ noun

1. a sharply hooked claw, esp of a bird of prey
2. anything resembling a bird's claw
3. the part of a lock that the key presses on when it is turned
4. the pile of cards left after the deal
5. another name for ogee
6. a printed slip attached to some bearer bonds to enable the holder to apply for a new sheet of coupons

Etymology: 14th Century: from Old French: heel, from Latin tālus heel

ˈtaloned adjective