Definition

Noun: 1. A perennial plant: "bear's breeches" is the common name for a widely cultivated southern European plant of the genus Acanthus, known for its large, glossy, deeply lobed leaves and tall spikes of flowers. 2. An ornamental garden plant: It is specifically valued in gardens for its architectural foliage and showy flower spikes, which are whitish with purple veining.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The bold foliage of bear's breeches makes it a striking addition to the border garden.
  • We planted bear's breeches near the wall for a classic, Mediterranean look.
  • The flower spikes of bear's breeches can reach over a meter in height.

Advanced Usage

• Historical and artistic significance: The leaf of the , a primary species called "bear's breeches," inspired the design of the Corinthian order capital in classical architecture.
  • The intricate carvings on the column were based on the leaves of bear's breeches.

Variants and Related Words

• Acanthus (n): The botanical genus name for plants commonly known as bear's breeches.
  • Several species of acanthus are grown in cultivation.
• Acanthus mollis (n): The Latin binomial for the most common species referred to as "bear's breeches."

Synonyms

• Acanthus: The direct botanical name, often used interchangeably in gardening contexts.
• Artist's acanthus: Another common name highlighting its use in art and design.

Noun

1. widely cultivated southern European acanthus with whitish purple-veined flowers