acanthus

[uh-kan-thuhs]

noun

plural

acanthuses, acanthi 

1. any of several plants of the genus Acanthus, of the Mediterranean region, having spiny or toothed leaves and showy, white or purplish flowers.

2. an architectural ornament, as in the Corinthian capital, resembling the leaves of this plant.

acanthus

/ əˈkænθəs /

noun

1. any shrub or herbaceous plant of the genus Acanthus, native to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated as ornamental plants, having large spiny leaves and spikes of white or purplish flowers: family Acanthaceae See also bear's-breech

2. a carved ornament based on the leaves of the acanthus plant, esp as used on the capital of a Corinthian column

Other Word Forms

• acanthine adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acanthus¹

1610–20; < New Latin, Latin < Greek ákanthos bear's-foot

Word History and Origins

Origin of acanthus¹

C17: New Latin, from Greek akanthos, from akantha thorn, spine