English

Noun

calamistrum ‎(plural calamistra)

1. (zoology) A comb-like structure on the metatarsus of the hind legs of certain spiders (Ciniflonidae), used to curl certain fibres in the construction of their webs.

Latin

Alternative forms

• calamister

Etymology

Apparently from Ancient Greek καλάμιστρος ‎(kalámistros, “stipula”), from κάλαμος ‎(kálamos, “reed”), referring to the tubular shape of the heated curling irons. Perhaps influenced by Latin instrumental suffix -trum.

Pronunciation

• (Classical) IPA^(key): /ka.laˈmis.trum/, [ka.ɫaˈmɪs.trũ]

Noun

calamistrum n ‎(genitive calamistrī); second declension

1. curling iron, curling tongs
2. excessively ornamented words

Inflection

Second declension.

References

• CALAMISTRUM in Charles du Fresne du Cange’s Glossarium Mediæ et Infimæ Latinitatis (augmented edition, 1883–1887)
• calamistrum in Harry Thurston Peck, editor (1898) Harper's Dictionary of Classical Antiquities, New York: Harper & Brothers
• calamistrum in William Smith et al., editor (1890) A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, London: William Wayte. G. E. Marindin