Crossword Genius

Vital one shows the claw (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

talon

'the claw' is the definition.
(talon is a kind of claw)

'vital one shows' is the wordplay.
'shows' indicates a hidden word.
'TALON' is hidden within 'vital one'.

(Other definitions for talon that I've seen before include "a gripping one" , "Bird of prey's claw" , "Large claw" , "hunting hook" , "The stock" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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