adhamant

adjective

ad·​ha·​mant

(ˈ)ad-¦hā-mənt

: clinging as if by hooks

—used especially of the feet of certain birds (as the swifts)

Word History

Etymology

Latin adhamant-, adhamans, present participle of adhamare to catch, secure, perhaps from ad- + hamus hook

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

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