Melocactus

noun

Mel·​o·​cactus

¦melə+

: a genus comprising tropical American strongly ribbed globose, spheroidal, or short cylindrical cacti with a terminal woolly or spiny cap

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Late Latin melo melon + New Latin Cactus

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!