acantho-

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.

One example of a scientific term that features the form acantho– is acanthology, “the study of spines, as in sea urchins or certain spiny-headed worms.”

We know acantho– means “spine,” and the –logy portion of the word refers to “science,” as in a body of knowledge, from Greek logía. Acanthology literally translates to “study of spines.”

What are some words that use the combining form acantho– or acanth-?

• acanthocyte
• acantholysis
• acanthoma
• acanthopterygian
• acanthorrhexis
• acanthosis

What are some other forms that acantho– or acanth– may be commonly confused with?

• ac-
• aceto-
• acro-
• actino-

The combining form –cyte means “cell.” With this in mind, what does the medical term acanthocyte literally mean?