acanthin
n. countablen. a hard, spiny part of a sea urchin's body. It is a tiny, sharp structure that helps protect the animal from predators.
n. a calcified, spiny platelet found in the test of a sea urchin. It forms part of the skeletal structure and contributes to the animal's defensive armor.
The sea urchin's acanthin helps protect it.
Marine biologists examined the acanthin of the specimen to determine its specific species and age.
The intricate arrangement of acanthin and other skeletal elements provides the sea urchin with a robust exoskeleton capable of withstanding significant mechanical pressure from the ocean floor.
Last updated June 22, 2026