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acanthus Definition

acan·thus (ə kan′t̸həs)

noun pl. -·thuses or -·thi′-t̸hī′, -t̸hē′

  1. any of a genus (Acanthus) of thistlelike plants of the acanthus family with lobed, often spiny leaves and long spikes of white or colored flowers, found in the Mediterranean region
  2. Archit. a motif or conventional representation of the leaf of this plant, used esp. on the capitals of Corinthian columns

Etymology: ModL < L < Gr akanthos: see acantho-

adjective

designating a family (Acanthaceae, order Scrophulariales) of dicotyledonous plants, including bear's-breech

acanthus Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • carve: Italian Chimneypiece in Statuary marble with profuse high relief carving to both frieze and jambs, the latter terminating in acanthus carved corbels.

Modifies a noun

  • leaf: The capital has acanthus leaf decoration, which legend bases on a hanging basket.
  • scroll: Terminal knop engraved with acanthus scrolls ending in a pine cone.
  • leave: The engraved design to the main face of the lock is of acanthus leaves.
  • decoration: The capital has acanthus leaf decoration, which legend bases on a hanging basket.
  • capital: Basil Street block rebuilt 1929-30 by Louis Blanc has restrained Art Deco plasterwork, acanthus capitals.