Definition

A type of shrub or plant that has small spines and produces clusters of white to yellow flowers, followed by curved pods containing shiny black seeds. It is commonly found in the West Indies and Florida.

Example

The catclaw plant is known for its beautiful yellow flowers and thorny branches.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a catclaw plant before?

No, I haven't! What does it look like?

It's a shrub with yellow flowers and spiky pods.

That sounds interesting! I’d love to see one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Catclaw is formed from "cat" (from Old English "catt", meaning a domesticated feline) and "claw" (from Old English "clawu", meaning a sharp, curved nail). The word "catclaw" refers to the sharp claws of a cat, emphasizing their pointed and retractable nature.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'domesticated feline' ('cat') with its 'sharp nail' ('claw') — that's why catclaw refers to the sharp claws of a cat.

Visually Confused Words