caltrop

noun

cal·​trop ˈkal-trəp 

ˈkȯl-

variants or less commonly calthrop

ˈkal-thrəp 

ˈkȯl-

1

a

caltrops also calthrops plural in form but singular or plural in construction : star thistle sense 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

Examples of caltrop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The book’s cover image reflects the internal shape of the novel: a caltrop. —Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 6 Jan. 2022

Tuscaloosa police spokeswoman Stephanie Taylor said officers responded after a security guard noticed several homemade caltrop spikes - which cause tire blowouts - in the roadway and parking lot, Taylor said. —Carol Robinson | [e-mail], al, 15 Dec. 2022

During a search warrant, investigators learned that the man had purchased 170 caltrop spikes through his Amazon account. —Connor Sanders, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 Nov. 2021

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1519, in the meaning defined at sense 2