crotal

1 of 3

noun

cro·​tal
ˈkrōˌtäl,
-ōtᵊl
plural crotals

crotal

2 of 3

variant spelling of

crotal

3 of 3

adjective

crot·​al
ˈkrätᵊl
1
: reddish brown
a suit of crotal tweed
2
: of or relating to crottle
a crotal dye

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin crotalum rattle, castanet, from Greek krotalon, from krotein to clap; akin to Old English hrindan to thrust, Old Norse hrinda to push

and Adjective

First Known Use

Noun

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of crotal was in 1790

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Dictionary Entries Near crotal

Cite this Entry

“Crotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crotal. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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