calamistrum

Borrowed from Latin calamistrum (“a curling-iron”).

• IPA^(key): /kæləˈmɪstɹəm/

calamistrum (plural calamistra)

1. (zoology) A comb-like structure on the metatarsus of the hind legs of cribellate spiders (Ciniflonidae), used to comb out fine bands of silk in the construction of their webs.

• “calamistrum”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.

• calamister

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. For sense two, compare cincinnus.

• (Classical Latin) IPA^(key): [ka.ɫaˈmɪs.trũː]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): [ka.laˈmis.t̪rum]

calamistrum n (genitive calamistrī); second declension

1. curling iron, curling tongs
2. (figuratively) an oratorical ornament too artificial, excessive or elaborate

   Synonym: cincinnus

Second-declension noun (neuter).

• calamistrātus

• Portuguese: calamistro

• "calamistrum", in Charles du Fresne du Cange’s Glossarium Mediæ et Infimæ Latinitatis (augmented edition with additions by D. P. Carpenterius, Adelungius and others, edited by Léopold Favre, 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