acanthus

American  

[uh-kan-thuhs] / əˈkæn θəs /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of acanthus

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

Example Sentences

Wiley’s lithe dandy stands amid a lavish network of royal blue acanthus leaves, classical symbol of immortality, and vivid orange poppies, modern British token of remembrance.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2021

And then she did: a four-inch, three-tined, souvenir pickle fork with an acanthus leaf design and “Washington D.C.” under a tiny image of the Capitol dome.

From Washington Post • Sep. 24, 2018

Touchette said the window trim carved by Lougeay is known as an acanthus leaf.

From Washington Times • Oct. 22, 2017

The distinctive Palmyra rose and acanthus leaf motifs directly influenced the 18th Century classical revival in England, and can still be seen on the ceilings of many British country homes.

From BBC • Jul. 9, 2014

Doric columns are the strongest and simplest, Corinthian ones are the lightest and most ornate, adorned with rows of acanthus leaves giving rise to graceful volutes and helices.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood