caltrop Definition
- 1a small metal object with four sharp points, one of which always points upward, that is scattered on the ground to puncture tires or injure feet
- 2a plant with spiny fruit, especially the water caltrop
Using caltrop: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "caltrop" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The police found caltrops scattered on the road to stop the car chase.
Example
The water caltrop is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine.
Example
The enemy army used caltrops to slow down the advancing troops.
caltrop Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for caltrop
- crow's foot
- jackrock
- puncture vine
- water chestnut
Phrases with caltrop
lay caltrops
to scatter caltrops on the ground to impede the progress of an enemy
Example
The soldiers were ordered to lay caltrops on the road to stop the enemy tanks.
Example
He stepped on a caltrop while walking in the park and had to go to the hospital for treatment.
Example
The water caltrop is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, often used in soups and stews.
Origins of caltrop
from Middle English 'calcatrippe', from Old English 'calcatrippe', from Late Latin 'calcatrippa', from Latin 'calx' meaning 'heel' + 'trappa' meaning 'trap'
Summary: caltrop in Brief
'Caltrop' [ˈkæltrəp] refers to a small metal object with four sharp points, one of which always points upward, that is scattered on the ground to puncture tires or injure feet. It can also refer to a plant with spiny fruit, especially the water caltrop. Examples of usage include 'The police found caltrops scattered on the road to stop the car chase.' and 'The enemy army used caltrops to slow down the advancing troops.'
