Definition: The word "acanthous" can refer to a plant's leaves being covered with flat, circular epidermis rather than having many or even few cells or tissues, which allow them to become much smaller in size.
Here are some examples of acanthous leaves:
1.
Bamboo
- The bamboo leaf has a thin, smooth surface and can be found on the tips of bamboo shoots.
2.
Echinacea
- The yellowish-brown echinacea plant has broad, flat leaves that are often covered with small white spots.
The word "acanthous" is commonly used in English literature to describe plants or animals that are large but not very large, similar to a character's size being somewhat dwarfed by their accomplishments.
In more modern usage, acanthous refers to something that can't be defined by the most basic characteristics of its kind. This can refer to a variety of things, such as a plant with no leaves at all, an animal without any fur or scales, or even a machine that doesn't have any parts other than the main mechanism.
In summary, "acanthous" refers to something that is large but not very large in terms of size and shape. This can be used to describe anything that meets the criteria set by this term.