# acanthopore

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acanthopore
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

a small, sharp point or spine on an animal or plant. It is often used to describe the tiny spines found on the skin of certain sea creatures.

For teachers: a small, sharp-pointed spine or process, typically found on the surface of invertebrates such as echinoderms. Often used in biological contexts to describe the microscopic structures of a sea urchin's test.

## Examples

- The sea urchin's surface is covered in tiny acanthopores.
- Under a microscope, the biologist identified the acanthopores that provide structural support to the echinoderm's body.
- The intricate arrangement of acanthopores on the echinoderm's exoskeleton serves both a defensive purpose and a mechanism for maintaining the organism's internal pressure.

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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.