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caltrop definition

cal·trop (kal′trəp, -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
Also caltrap cal′·trap or calthrop cal′·throp (-t̸hrəp)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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