acanthous
- adjective
- /əˈkænθəs/
- Specialized
:
acantoso
- Under the microscope, the plant's acanthous surface became obvious due to its tiny spines.
Examples
-
The plant had acanthous leaves that deterred herbivores.
-
The cactus is easily recognized by its acanthous stems and leaves.
-
Some sea creatures have developed acanthous structures for protection against predators.
-
Many cacti are known for their acanthous features.
-
The cactus is easily recognized by its acanthous stems and leaves.
-
Some sea creatures have developed acanthous structures for protection against predators.
-
Many cacti are known for their acanthous features.
Synonyms
6
4.2
Covered with sharp points like those on rose bushes
3
3.9
Covered with sharp points or thorns that can hurt you
1
9.0
Having sharp pointed parts like thorns that protect a plant or animal
Shaped like a thin pointed spine or thorn
Having sharp spines or points like a stinger
Having a sharp stinger or point like bees and wasps
Antonyms
How Spiny
Surface Forms
Morphology
acanthous = acanthus (opaque) = acanth + ous
The combining form 'acanth-' (or the noun 'acanthus') is obscure to typical learners, so adding '-ous' does not make the meaning transparently obvious.
Etymology
Acanthous comes from the old Greek word akantha, which means 'thorn' or 'spine'. So something acanthous is 'thorn-like' or 'spiny', like the stems of a cactus or the tiny protective spikes on some sea creatures.