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caltrop Definition

cal·trop (kaltrəp, -träp′)

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

Etymology: ME calketrappe < OE calcatrippe, star thistle & OFr chaucetrape, both < ML calcatrippa < L calcare, to tread upon (< calx, heel: see calcar) + Gmc *trippon, trip

adjective

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

caltrop Usage Examples

Noun used with modifier

  • water: These then leave the snail, and encyst of water vegetation such as the water caltrop, infection being by ingestion of these metacercaria.

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