<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>plural: acanthuses, acanthi.</li><li>any of several plants of the genus Acanthus, of the Mediterranean region, having spiny or toothed leaves and showy, white or purplish flowers.</li><li>Compare: acanthus family.</li><li>an architectural ornament, as in the Corinthian capital, resembling the leaves of this plant.</li></ul>