acanthus
acanthus Lexical Profile
• noun
A stylized architectural ornamentation mimicking the foliage of the acanthus plant, most notably used to decorate the bell-shaped capitals of columns in the Corinthian and Composite orders of classical architecture.
"The ruined Greek temple still displayed magnificent acanthus carvings delicately curling around the tops of its marble columns."
Any of a genus of herbaceous plants native to the Mediterranean basin and Asia, characterized by large, deeply lobed, and often prickly leaves, frequently cultivated for their striking foliage.
"The gardener planted a striking border of acanthus along the shaded wall to showcase their broad, glossy leaves."
• Rhymes for acanthus
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'acanthus', which in turn comes from the Ancient Greek 'akantha' meaning 'thorn' or 'prickle', rooted in 'akē' (point). It entered English in the mid-16th century, primarily referring to the architectural motif.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.