(Greek) Thorny; in mythology, a nymph who was loved by Apollo Akantha, Ackantha, Acanthah, Akanthah, Ackanthah
n. 1. a spine projecting from a *vertebra. 2. the *backbone.
The Crown-of-thorns starfish, known for the considerable damage that it may cause to coral reefs. It seems to occur in epidemics. The spines are venom-tipped, but usually the envenomation leads only to a painful spike wound which may sometimes get infected. Multiple spikes, either in one episode, or many individual stings rarely lead to systemic symptoms, but may lead to hypersensitivity.... acanthaster planci
n. a genus of amoebae commonly found in dust, soil, and fresh water. Several species can cause serious infection of the cornea, usually resulting from the use of improperly sterilized contact lenses (which may have been cleaned with tap water, for example).... acanthamoeba
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