Defn: A comblike structure on the metatarsus of the hind legs of certain spiders (Ciniflonidæ), used to curl certain fibers in the construction of their webs.
CALAMITE
Cal"a*mite, n. Etym: [L. calamus a reed: cf. F. calamite.] (Paleon.)
Defn: A fossil plant of the coal formation, having the general form of plants of the modern Equiseta (the Horsetail or Scouring Rush family) but sometimes attaining the height of trees, and having the stem more or less woody within. See Acrogen, and Asterophyllite.
CALAMITOUS
Ca*lam"i*tous, a. Etym: [L. Calamitosus; cf. F. calamiteux.]
1. Suffering calamity; wretched; miserable. [Obs.] Ten thousands of calamitous persons. South.
2. Producing, or attended with distress and misery; making wretched; wretched; unhappy. "This sad and calamitous condition." South. "A calamitous prison" Milton.
Syn.
— Miserable; deplorable; distressful; afflictive; grievous;
baleful; disastrous; adverse; unhappy; severe; sad; unfortunate.
— Ca*lam"i*tous*ly, adv.
— Ca*lam"i*tous*ness, n.
CALAMITY Ca*lam"i*ty n.; pl. Calamities. Etym: [L. calamitas, akin to in- columis unharmed: cf. F. calamité]
1. Any great misfortune or cause of misery; — generally applied to events or disasters which produce extensive evil, either to communities or individuals.
Note: The word calamity was first derived from calamus when the corn could not get out of the stalk. Bacon. Strokes of calamity that scathe and scorch the soul. W. Irving.