acantho-

especially before a vowel, acanth-.

1. a combining form from Greek meaning “spine,” used in the formation of compound words.

   acanthocephalan.

acantho-

combining form

1. indicating a spine or thorn

   acanthocephalan

Word History and Origins

Origin of acantho-¹

< Greek akantho-, combining form of ákantha thorn

Word History and Origins

Origin of acantho-¹

New Latin from Greek akanthos thorn plant, from akantha thorn

Example Sentences

The 360 days of the Egyptian year were represented at Acantho, near Memphis, in a symbolical way, there being placed a perforated vessel, which each day was filled with water by one of a company of 360 priests, each priest having charge over one day in the year.

From Project Gutenberg

When To Use

What does acantho- mean?

The combining form acantho- is used like a prefix meaning “spine,” especially in the sense of sharp, thorny projections. It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology and pathology.The form acantho- comes from Greek ákantha, meaning “thorn” or “thorny plant,” which is a compound of akḗ, “point,” and ánthos, “flower.” Find out how acantho- is related to acme, the highest point, and anthology, a collection of writing, at our entry for each word.What are variants of acantho-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, acantho- becomes acanth-, as in acanthoid.