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Glite Dictionary
acantha

acantha

9.9
A sharp point on an animal or plant that protects it
  • noun
  • /əˈkænθə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : acantha
  • The cactus has many sharp acanthas along its surface.

Examples

  • The hedgehog's back is covered with acantha that protect it from predators.

  • Researchers studied the fish's acantha under a microscope to observe its structure.

  • Certain cacti have an acantha at the end of each stem, deterring herbivores.

  • Look at the acantha on that plant!

  • Certain cacti have an acantha at the end of each stem, deterring herbivores.

  • Researchers studied the fish's acantha under a microscope to observe its structure.

  • The hedgehog's back is covered with acantha that protect it from predators.

Synonyms

spine
vsacantha
40 4.1

A sharp, stiff part on a plant or animal that can prick

is focused on sharply pointed projections in anatomy rather than any projection
spur
vsacantha
5 5.4

A sharp pointed part that sticks out from a plant or animal

is the anatomical sharply pointed projection, not only those resembling spikes
aculeus
vsacantha
  • Specialized
9.9

A stiff, sharp point on a plant that keeps animals from eating it

is more general and applies to sharp projections in animals or plants
acicula
vsacantha
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin needlelike part like a spine found in plants, animals, and crystals

is for any sharply pointed projection, not only needlelike forms
aculeated feature
vsacantha
  • Specialized
9.9

A sharp point or sting on animals and plants used to protect them

is a neutral anatomical projection not necessarily used for stinging or defense

Surface Forms

acantha singular
acanthas plural

Etymology

Acantha comes from the Greek word akantha, which means 'thorn' or 'spine'. So an acantha is a sharp, pointed projection on a plant or animal, like a thorn that helps protect it.