Nails: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to the hard, keratin-based extensions that grow at the tips of fingers and toes in humans and some animals.

• She painted her nails a bright red color.
• He accidentally broke a nail while fixing the chair.

Refers to the sharp, curved nails found on the digits of many animals, such as cats, birds, and reptiles, often used for gripping or tearing.

• The cat's claws are very sharp and can scratch furniture.
• Eagles have powerful claws to catch their prey.

Describes the hard, protective coverings found on the feet of some herbivorous animals, such as horses, deer, and cows.

• The horse's hooves need regular trimming by a farrier.
• Cows' hooves can sometimes develop infections if they are not taken care of properly.

Specifically refers to the sharp claws of birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, and owls, primarily used for hunting.

• The hawk grasped its prey tightly with its talons.
• Owls use their talons to catch small animals at night.

Nails are commonly used for woodworking, framing, and basic construction tasks where a strong, fast connection is needed but may not require the precision of screws.

• He hammered the nails into the wooden planks to build a small fence
• She used thin nails to attach the picture frame backing

Screws provide strong, precise fastenings and are easy to remove and replace. They are used in woodworking, furniture assembly, and various household projects.

• She used screws to assemble the bookshelves for her living room
• When fixing the loose hinge, he opted for screws to secure it tightly

Bolts are typically used in heavy-duty construction and assembly where a high-strength connection is required. They are often paired with nuts and washers to hold components securely.

• The mechanic used bolts to attach the engine parts together
• For added security, she tightened the bolts on the metal frame

Rivets are used to permanently join pieces of metal or other materials. They are common in the aviation, automotive, and construction industries due to their durability.

• The airplane's wings were fastened with thousands of tiny rivets
• Riveting the metal plates together ensured there would be no gaps

Used when talking about small metal pins driven into wood or other material to hold things together or hang objects.

• He hammered the nails into the wooden board.
• We need more nails to finish building the fence.

Used when you want to say that something is being made stable or not moving, or when something is being repaired. Can refer to various actions including securing, mending, or correcting.

• Can you fix this broken chair?
• He needs to fix the shelf to the wall.

Used in situations where safety or stability is a concern, or when ensuring something is firmly in place to prevent it from moving. Has a slightly more formal or serious tone.

• She made sure to secure the bike with a strong lock.
• He secured the rope tightly around the post.

Used when you want to say that something is being joined or connected to another thing, often in a permanent or semi-permanent way.

• Please attach the document to your email.
• You will need to attach these pieces using glue.