a. Physiol. [mod. f. Gr. ἀκανθο- thorn + κεφαλ-ή head + -OUS.] Having a spiny head.
1839–47. Todd, Cycl. Anat. & Phys., III. 534/1. In many of the Acanthocephalous Sterelmintha … the skin … becomes more coriaceous.
