# acanth

CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a type of plant that grows in the desert and has a very strong smell. It is also the name of a plant that looks like a cactus but has different leaves.

For teachers: a genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions. Often used to refer to the common name of plants with spiny or prickly features.

## Examples

- The acanth plant grows well in dry, sandy soil.
- Gardeners often choose the acanth for its vibrant purple flowers and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.
- The acanth is a resilient species that has been cultivated for centuries in arid climates, valued for both its ornamental beauty and its medicinal properties.

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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.