acanthus

[ uh-kan-thuhs ]

noun

, plural a·can·thus·es, a·can·thi [uh, -, kan, -thahy].

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

• a·can·thine [uh, -, kan, -thin, -thahyn], 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

Example Sentences

The door of 10 Downing Street was copied from the original and is enclosed within a composite fibreglass painted architrave "flanked by scrolled acanthus leaf corbels" and surrounded by black-painted iron railings.

From BBC

Clues here include four Ionic columns supporting the portico, multipaned windows and lintels decorated with acanthus leaves, rather than the keystone lintels of the Federal period.

From Washington Post

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

The base of the sculpture is decorated with a four-petalled flower and interwoven acanthus leaves.

From The Guardian

The walkways were paved with Italian tile, and half a dozen acanthus leaf-etched fireplaces oozed affluence.

From Washington Times