DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
A·can·thus n.; pl. E. Acanthuses , L. Acanthi
1. Bot. A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.
2. Arch. An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); -- used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.
◄ ►
acanthus
n : any plant of the genus Acanthus having large spiny leaves
and spikes or white or purplish flowers; native to
Mediterranean region but widely cultivated
[also: acanthi (pl)]