espolón
/espoˈlon/
The English phrase "dew claw" is translated into Spanish as espolón.
espolón refers to a small, non-weight-bearing nail located higher up on the leg of some animals.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is espolones.
How do you pronounce it?
/espoˈlon/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word espolón is also the technical term for a 'breakwater' or 'jetty' used in maritime engineering to protect harbors from waves. It describes a structure that sticks out into the water to deflect force.
- The word espolón is also used to describe a 'bone spur' in humans, such as the painful espolón calcáneo found on the heel. This links the anatomy of animals, birds, and humans under one single term for a protrusion.
- Spanish uses the same word, espolón, to describe both the non-weight-bearing 'dew claw' of a mammal and the sharp, weaponized 'spur' on a rooster's leg.
Examples in context
- El perro tiene un espolón en la pata.The dog has a dew claw on its leg.
- El espolón de este animal es muy pequeño.The dew claw of this animal is very small.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are at the veterinarian's office with their new puppy.
- Daniel¿Tiene algún problema el espolón del cachorro?Is there a problem with the puppy's dew claw?
- LucíaNo, el espolón parece estar perfectamente sano.No, the dew claw looks perfectly healthy.
- DanielQué bueno, me preocupaba mucho.That's good, I was very worried.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, Daniel, todo está bien.Don't worry, Daniel, everything is fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry espolón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
