Definitions

1. adjective

Having thorns or prickly spines, especially on the stem or branches of a plant.

“The acanthous leaves of the rose bush made it difficult to walk through the garden.”

2. noun

A plant with thorny stems or branches.

“The acanthus was a popular motif in ancient Greek art and architecture.”

3. noun

A type of ancient Greek foliage motif, often depicting the acanthus plant in a stylized form.

“The acanthus motif is a common feature of Corinthian order architecture.”