caltrop

IPA: kˈæɫtrʌp

(weaponry) A small, metal object with spikes arranged so that, when thrown onto the ground, one always faces up as a threat to pedestrians, horses, and vehicles (also used as a heraldic charge).
(colloquial) The starthistle, Centaurea calcitrapa, a plant with sharp thorns.
Any of a number of flowering plants in the family Zygophyllaceae, including several members of the genus Kallstroemia and the species Tribulus terrestris, native to warm temperate and tropical regions.

Examples of "caltrop" in Sentences

Endemic species include water caltrop and lady's slipper.
In the center is a pagoda with a black and gold caltrop over it.
The caltrops also hindered the speed of Muslim cavalry and infantry.
A third alternative uses two staples twisted together to form a caltrop.
A caltrop has had a variety of symbolic uses and is commonly found in heraldry.
There have been a number of attempts to develop a caltrop like device that will deflate tires in a manner useful to law enforcement agencies or the military.