ACANTHUS

acanthus

(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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

acanthus (plural acanthuses or acanthi)

A member of the genus Acanthus of herbaceous prickly plants with toothed leaves, (family Acanthaceae, order Scrophulariales) found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India.[First attested in the mid 16th century.]

(architecture) An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of Acanthus spinosus, used in the capitals of the Corinthian and composite orders.[First attested in the mid 18th century.]

Synonyms

• (a member of Acanthus): bear's breech, bear's breeches, bear's-breech (rare)

Source: Wiktionary

A*can"thus, n.; pl. E. Acanthuses, L. Acanthi. Etym: [L., from Gr. Acantha.]

1. (Bot.)

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

2. (Arch.)

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

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition