noun
cactus
KAK-tuhs/ˈkæktəs/
A succulent plant, usually with spines, adapted to dry climates.
The cactus has thick ribs and clusters of sharp spines.
Etymology
Greek kaktos named a prickly Sicilian plant, the Spanish artichoke. Linnaeus applied its name to the American spiny plants because he thought they were related; the older name’s origin is unknown.
In context
but they must also retain their moisture many do that by turning either their green stems or their waxy leaves into reservoirs this extraordinary cactus from Mexico is covered in thick white hair
More examples
- Several cacti grow beside the rocky trail.
- A small cactus stood in a clay pot.
- The nursery sells flowering cactuses.
Forms
cactus · cacti · cactuses