ACANTHOSTYLE

acanthostyle: translation

n. [Gr. akantha, thorn, spine; stylos, pillar]

1. (BRYOZOA: Stenolaemata)

A type of stylet with a smooth rod core of nonlaminated calcite, with sheath laminae usually strongly deflected toward the zoarial surface as spines; usually larger than paurostyle.

2. (PORIFERA)

A monactinal spicule covered with thorny processes.