Definition of acanthus

• n. - A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.
• n. - An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); -- used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.
• n. - A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.
• n. - An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); -- used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.