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

The Queen conch, spiny Caribbean lobster and the red fruit of the turk’s head cactus – national treasures on roughly the same footing as the Union Jack – all sewn into the flag flapping over the tarmac. —Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024

Imagery of stars, flames rainbows, cowboy hats, cactus, flowers and rugged landscapes are featured across the designs, including six sock styles. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 Nov. 2024

Tohono O’odham Nation reservation, which has about 10,000 residents according to census data, sprawls across a Connecticut-sized area of the Sonoran Desert with its iconic saguaro cactus and mesquite trees. —Tom Hals, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2024

Winter is the primary bloom season for Christmas cactus. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 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