A‐can″thus (�), n.; pl. E. Acanthuses (�), L. Acanthi (�). [L., from Gr. �. Cf. Acantha.]
1. (Bot.) A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.
2. (Arch.) An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); — used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.