Onychogryphosis is defined as what characteristic of a nail?

Onychogryphosis is characterized by an enlarged nail that has an increased curvature, resulting in a thickened, claw-like appearance. This condition often affects the toenails more than the fingernails and can occur due to various factors, including trauma, neglect, or underlying health issues.

The unique feature of onychogryphosis is the dramatic change in the nail's shape and thickness, distinguishing it from other conditions like ingrowing nails, which involve the nail growing into the surrounding skin; spoon-shaped nails, a condition known as koilonychia, where the nails have a concave shape; and bitten nails, wherein the nails are damaged due to habitual nail-biting. Each of these alternative conditions presents distinctly different characteristics compared to the enlargement and curvature seen in onychogryphosis.