Final answer:
The Corinthian order is known for its elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves, offering a vegetal and detailed look that distinguished it from earlier Greek orders like Doric and Ionic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Corinthian order is one of the ancient Greek architectural orders, recognized for its distinctive and ornate elements. The most recognizable feature of the Corinthian order is its elaborate capital, which is decorated with acanthus leaves, a motif that symbolizes the style's elegance and complexity. Unlike the earlier Doric and Ionic orders, the Corinthian capital incorporates a more vegetal and detailed composition. These acanthus leaves are stylized and often extend around the capital, usually stopping just beneath the abacus. This imagery of foliage not only provides a rich texture but also contributes to the slender and ornate appearance that became favored in Roman architecture and is evident in notable buildings such as the Pantheon and Maison Carrée.