cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī 

-(ˌ)tē

or cactuses also cactus

: any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (such as deserts)

Examples of cactus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Best Fertilizer for Christmas Cactus Christmas cactuses, and the closely related Thanksgiving and Easter cactuses, are not your standard cactus plants. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2025

Some wellness businesses are using them anyway Oct. 3, 2024 The cactus contains a spectrum of psychoactive alkaloids, the primary one being the hallucinogen mescaline, and is coveted for those psychedelic properties. —Deepa Bharath and Jessie Wardarski, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024

Donning blond braids and an all-white outfit with a matching fluffy cowboy hat, the singer poses as the cactus lights up. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024

Like other cacti, the Christmas cactus lacks true leaves. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek kaktos

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cactus

• barrel cactus
• cactus wren
• Christmas cactus
• giant cactus
• organ pipe cactus
• prickly pear cactus
• queen of the night cactus
• rattail cactus

Kids Definition

cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti -ˌtī 

-(ˌ)tē

or cactuses also cactus

: any of a large family of flowering plants able to live in dry regions and having fleshy stems and branches that bear scales or prickles instead of leaves