Acanthus

[ə'kænθəs]

Definition

(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.

Edited by Antony--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.

(n.) An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); -- used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.

Checked by Kenneth

Definition

n. a prickly plant called bear's breech or brank-ursine: (archit.) an ornament resembling its leaves used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders &c.—also Acan′tha.—adjs. Acan′thine Acanthā′ceous.

Inputed by Clara