Acanthus

A·can·thus

Acanthus

n.

pl. Acanthuses

  1. A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech. (Bot.)
  2. An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); -- used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders. (Arch.)