Christmas cactus

noun

: a branching Brazilian cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana synonym S. buckleyi) having flat jointed stems with scalloped margins and showy usually red, pink, white, violet, or yellow flowers

also : a related cactus (Schlumbergera truncata synonym Zygocactus truncatus) or a hybrid of this and the Christmas cactus

Word History

Etymology

from its annual blooming around Christmastime

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Christmas cactus was in 1880

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Christmas cactus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Christmas%20cactus. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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