Claw

A claw is a curved, pointed appendage, found at the end of a toe or finger in most amniotes (mammals, reptiles, birds). However, the word "claw" is also often used in reference to an invertebrate. Somewhat similar fine hooked structures are found in arthropods such as beetles and spiders, at the end of the leg or tarsus for gripping a surface as the creature walks. Crabs', lobsters' and scorpions' pincers, or more formally, their "chelae", are sometimes called claws.

A true claw, (as opposed to a chela) is made of hard protein called keratin. Claws are used to catch and hold prey in carnivorous mammals such as cats and dogs, but may also be used for such purposes as digging, climbing trees, self-defense, and grooming, in those and other species.

Similar appendages that are flat and do not come to a sharp point are called nails instead. Claw-like projections that do not form at the end of digits, but spring from other parts of the foot are properly named spurs.

Claws of animals like tigers, lions, and bears were used in making items such as ornaments, pendants, and brooches.

Sophie Treadwell

Sophie Treadwell (October 3, 1885 – February 20, 1970), was a noteworthy American playwright and journalist of the first half of the 20th century. She is best known for her play Machinal which is often included in drama anthologies as an example of a expressionist or modernist play. Treadwell wrote dozens of plays, several novels, as well as serial stories and countless articles that appeared in newspapers. In addition to writing plays for the theatre, Treadwell also produced, directed, and acted in some of her productions. The styles and subjects of Treadwell's writings are vast, but many present women's issues of her time, subjects of current media coverage, or aspects of Sophie's Mexican heritage.

Heritage and childhood

Sophie Anita Treadwell was born in 1885 in Stockton, California. Between 1890 and 1891, Sophie's father, Alfred Treadwell, deserted her and her mother and moved to San Francisco. Although Sophie originally excelled at school, after her father left she struggled, which others have attributed to the frequency with which she and her mother relocated. While Sophie primarily lived with her mother, occasionally Sophie would spend summers in San Francisco with her father. During these visits, Sophie was first exposed to theatre; she witnessed famous actresses Helena Modjeska and Sarah Bernhardt in The Merchant of Venice and Phèdre, respectively. In 1902, Sophie and her mother, Nettie Fairchild Treadwell moved to San Francisco.

Claw (disambiguation)

A claw is a sharp growth at the end of a toe or finger.

Claw or Claws may also refer to:

In entertainment:

In music