"Disease of the skin affecting the prickle-cell layer (stratum spinosum) of the epidermis; hyperplasia of prickle cells; an instance of this", Late 19th cent. From acantho- + -osis, after German Akanthose.[acanthosis etymology, acanthosis origin, 英语词源]
"A small phylum of parasitic invertebrates that comprises the thorny-headed worms", Modern Latin (plural), from acantho- 'thornlike' + Greek kephalē 'head'.