acanthus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any plant of the genus Acanthus having large spiny leaves and spikes or white or purplish flowers; native to Mediterranean region but widely cultivated

WordNet

A*can"thus noun
Etymology
L., from Gr. . Cf. Acantha.
Wordforms
plural E Acanthuses
plural Acanthi
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.
  2. (Arch.) An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); -- used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.

Webster 1913