# acanaceous

CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acanaceous
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

having a prickly or spiny surface. You might use this to describe a plant with sharp, stiff hairs or thorns.

For teachers: possessing a prickly or spiny surface, typically referring to plants with stiff, sharp hairs or spines.

## Examples

- The acanaceous plant has sharp, stiff hairs.
- The gardener warned that the acanaceous shrubs could cause minor injuries to the skin.
- While many desert plants are acanaceous as a defense mechanism, this particular species has evolved a smooth, waxy coating to reduce water loss.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.