acanthus

/əˈkænθəs/

Other forms: acanthuses; acanthi

Definitions of acanthus

1. 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
   types:

   Acanthus mollis, bear's breech, bear's breeches, sea holly

   widely cultivated southern European acanthus with whitish purple-veined flowers

   type of:

   herb, herbaceous plant

   a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests