Akanthus
acanthus (decorative leaf motif)
noun ah-KAN-toos Rare
Origin: from Greek akanthos, thorny plant
Usage Note
Akanthus is a stylised leaf pattern based on the Mediterranean acanthus plant, used to decorate Corinthian capitals, friezes, and scrollwork since ancient Greece. Masculine noun; ubiquitous in classical ornament.
Examples
"Das Akanthusblatt ist ein zentrales Motiv der klassischen Ornamentik."
Natural Translation
The acanthus leaf is a central motif in classical ornamentation.
Literal Translation
The acanthus-leaf is a central motif of the classical ornamentation.
Related Words
- Abguss cast, casting (plaster or metal replica of a sculpture)
- Abstraktion abstraction (non-representational art)
- Acrylfarbe acrylic paint
- Akt nude
- Aktmalerei nude painting; figure painting
- Aktmodell life model; nude model (for drawing or painting)
- Aktzeichnung life drawing, figure drawing (of the nude)
- Altarbild altarpiece
Explore German by topic
