CALTROP


Meaning of CALTROP in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈkal-trəp, ˈkȯl- ]

noun

also cal·throp -thrəp

Etymology: Middle English caltrappe, alteration of calketrappe star thistle, from Old English calcatrippe, from Medieval Latin calcatrippa

Date: 15th century

1.

a. plural but singular or plural in construction : 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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.