any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Acacia
"The local wildlife thrived in the savanna, where tall acacia provided both shade and protection from predators."
A shrub or tree of the tribe Acacieae.
"The medal struck in his honor depicted the acacia, reminding all that even an emperor must eventually face death."
A roll or bag, filled with dust, borne by Byzantine emperors, as a memento of mortality. It is represented on medals.
The word "acacia" comes from the Latin acacia, which was borrowed from Ancient Greek for the shittah tree. Its origin is uncertain, though it may be a Pre-Greek term rather than related to the Proto-Indo-European root meaning "sharp."