noun
caltrop
Caltrop (noun) means a small spiked metal device thrown on the ground so a spike always points upward, used to injure feet, hooves or tyres (also used as a symbol in heraldry).
noun
1
A small spiked metal device thrown on the ground so a spike always points upward, used to injure feet, hooves or tyres (also used as a symbol in heraldry).
"Caltrops, tetrahedrons, and similar devices are designed to puncture vehicle tires or limit foot traffic. The standard design has four points."
— Alan Vick, Aerospace operations in urban environments: exploring new concepts (2000)
2
The starthistle, a plant with sharp, thorny spines.
3
Any of several flowering plants in the Zygophyllaceae family that grow in warm regions.
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Etymology
Came into English from Middle English calketrappe, from Old English calcatrippe, from Medieval Latin calcatrippa ("thistle"), which came from Latin calx or calcare ("to tread") plus trappa ("trap").
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of caltrop?
"caltrop" (noun) means a small spiked metal device thrown on the ground so a spike always points upward, used to injure feet, hooves or tyres (also used as a symbol in heraldry).
What are the different meanings of caltrop?
"caltrop" has 3 main meanings: 1. A small spiked metal device thrown on the ground so a spike always points upward, used to injure feet, hooves or tyres (also used as a symbol in heraldry); 2. The starthistle, a plant with sharp, thorny spines; 3. Any of several flowering plants in the Zygophyllaceae family that grow in warm regions.
