Relating to or belonging to the thistle family (Carduaceae), or having characteristics similar to thistles such as spiky flowers or prickly leaves.
From Carduus (thistle) plus -aceous (Latin suffix meaning having the nature of). Botanical descriptive term for thistle-like characteristics.
The thistle became Scotland's national emblem because, according to legend, Viking invaders stepped on thistles in the dark and screamed, alerting the Scots—making prickliness a genuine military advantage.
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