paw
Plural
paws
1
an animal's foot that typically has a combination of nails, claws, fur, and pads
A paw is a structure found in various animals that is typically located at the end of the leg and used for walking, running, and other forms of locomotion. It is composed of a combination of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue, and its specific shape and size vary depending on the species. Paws typically include pads or claws that help animals grip the ground, climb trees or burrow into the soil. They also contain sensory receptors that allow animals to feel the texture and temperature of the surfaces they walk on. Some animals have specialized paws that have evolved for specific functions such as digging, swimming, or grasping prey.
- The kitten playfully batted at the toy mouse with her tiny paws.
- The dog's muddy paws left tracks across the kitchen floor after playing outside.
- With gentle strokes, the veterinarian examined the cat's paw for any signs of injury or infection.
- The bear used its powerful paws to break open the beehive and access the honey inside.
- The fox carefully placed its injured paw on the ground as it limped through the forest.