Definition of "crowfoot" []

• Any of numerous plants of the genus Ranunculus that have palmately cleft or divided leaves, such as the buttercups. (noun)
• Any of several other plants having leaves or other parts somewhat resembling a bird's foot. (noun)
• An iron ball with four spikes arranged so that one always points upwards, used to delay the advance of mounted troops and infantry; a caltrop. (noun)
• Nautical A set of small lines passed through holes of a batten or fitting to help support the backbone of an awning. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The zinc is, as a rule, of crowfoot form, as shown, whence this cell derives the commonly applied name of _crowfoot cell_."
• "The seasonally flooded hollows are covered with sea clubrush Scirpus maritimus, bulrush Schoenoplectus lacustris, rushes Juncus sp. and crowfoot Ranunculus baudotii."
• "Over 90% of the methane emissions from the river Frome in Dorset that reach the atmosphere do so via the stems of water crowfoot, Trimmer said."