Dictionary

caltrop

noun cal·trop \ˈkal-trəp, ˈkl-\

Definition of CALTROP

1
a plural but sing or plural in constr :  star thistle 1
b :  puncture vine; also :  any of various related herbs (genera Tribulus and Kallstroemia) of the same family (Zygophyllaceae, the caltrop family)
2
:  a device with four metal points so arranged that when any three are on the ground the fourth projects upward as a hazard to the hooves of horses or to pneumatic tires

Variants of CALTROP

cal·trop also cal·throp \-thrəp\
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Origin of CALTROP

Middle English caltrappe, alteration of calketrappe star thistle, from Old English calcatrippe, from Medieval Latin calcatrippa
First Known Use: 15th century

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