Akanthus
acanthus (decorative leaf motif)
noun ah-KAN-toos Rare
Origin: from Greek akanthos, thorny plant
Usage Note
Akanthus is a stylised leaf pattern based on the Mediterranean acanthus plant, used to decorate Corinthian capitals, friezes, and scrollwork since ancient Greece. Masculine noun; ubiquitous in classical ornament.
Examples
"Das Akanthusblatt ist ein zentrales Motiv der klassischen Ornamentik."
Natural Translation
The acanthus leaf is a central motif in classical ornamentation.
Literal Translation
The acanthus-leaf is a central motif of the classical ornamentation.
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