rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryacanthusLeaf ornament
noun

acanthus

uh-KAN-thus/əˈkænθəs/

A Mediterranean plant with deeply lobed leaves used as ornamental models.

An acanthus spreads deeply cut leaves beneath the garden wall.

A living spiny acanthus plant beside a small classical Corinthian capital fragment whose carved foliage visibly echoes the plant's deeply lobed leaves.
Etymology
acGreekpoint, thorn
+anthusGreekflower

The combination of “thorn” and “flower” names the plant for its large spiny leaves. Those leaves also supplied the recognizable decorative pattern used on Corinthian capitals.

In context

Vox3:24
The Capitol building’s current columns still feature ornate acanthus leaves.
Why old buildings use the same leaf design

More examples

  • The stone capital is decorated with carved acanthus.
  • The gardener moves the acanthus to a shaded border.
  • Stylized acanthus leaves curl around the column's top.

Forms

acanthus · acanthuses

Similar words

foliage
Names leaves generally rather than this particular plant or ornament.