1. A sharp spine or prickly projection on a plant or animal.
Usage: botanical/zoological term; from Greek akantha meaning thorn
2. In architecture, an ornamental leaf or leaflike carving, especially on a Corinthian capital.
Usage: architectural term

Examples

• The rose stem was covered with small acanthas that pricked her finger.
• The acantha of the sea urchin serves as protection from predators.
• The Corinthian column was decorated with carved acanthas.
• Botanists studied the acantha structure to classify the plant species.
• The acantha on the cactus helps reduce water loss in the desert.