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calthrop

Variant of caltrop

noun

  1. an iron device with four spikes, placed on the ground so that one spike sticks up to hinder enemy cavalry
  2. a similar device used to puncture pneumatic tires
  3. any of a number of plants with spiny flowering parts or fruits; specif.,
    1. various plants (esp. Tribulus terrestris) of the caltrop family
    2. various plants of other families, as star thistle and water chestnut

adjective

designating a family (Zygophyllaceae) of dicotyledonous plants, shrubs, or trees (order Sapindales), including guaiacum, creosote bush, and bean caper
Also caltrap or calthrop

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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