acanthus

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a plant of the genus Acanthus, with large deeply cut or spiny leaves and tall spikes of flowers

   Acanthus spread broad glossy leaves beside the garden wall.

2. 2
   noun

   an architectural ornament based on acanthus leaves, especially on a Corinthian capital

   Carved acanthus curled around the top of each marble column.

Via Latin acanthus from Greek akanthos, 'thorny plant,' traditionally analyzed from ake, 'point or thorn,' and anthos, 'flower.' Greek and Roman architects adapted the plant's deeply cut leaves as ornament, most famously on Corinthian and Composite capitals.

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