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

Smaller water, rock, cactus, and pine gardens are strategically located across the airport campus, too. —Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 4 Dec. 2024

Some holiday decor alternatives that are non-toxic to pets include Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi), bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.), African violets (Streptocarpus sect. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024

Its origins can be traced back thousands of years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, appearing in Mayan glyphs and documented in 16th-century accounts by Spanish missionaries in Central Mexico, who recorded tamales made with axolotl, tuna cactus (prickly pear), fish, and rabbit, among other variations. —Cat Cardenas, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024

Jalisco also offers nopal tortillas, made with cactus and corn. —Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 1 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