bisnaga

or biz·na·ga

[ bis-nah-guh ]

noun

1. any of several thorny cactuses of the genera Echinocactus, Ferocactus, and Astrophytum of the southwestern U.S.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bisnaga¹

1835–45, Americanism; < Mexican Spanish biznaga, (probably by association with biznaga parsnip) replacing earlier vitznauac < Nahuatl huitznāhuac, equivalent to huitz ( tli ) thorn + -nāhua- vicinity + -c ( o ) locative suffix

Example Sentences

The venaga cactus is similar to the bisnaga, found in other parts of Mexico, except in the disposition and curvature of the thorns.

From Project Gutenberg

Another of picturesque appeal is the bisnaga or barrel cactus, of which there are many species of many sizes.

From Project Gutenberg

A forest of giant saguaro rising from a painted desert far above the tangle of creosote-bush, mesquite, cholla, bisnaga, and scores of other strange growths of a land of strange attractions is a spectacle to stir the blood and to remember for a lifetime.

From Project Gutenberg

They trade but few diamonds, for the fine ones come from Bisnaga and Decan, and are taken to the fair of Lispor, between Goa and Cambaya; and since the Dutch do not go thither, they have no share in them, but they get some at the fair in Sumatra.

From Project Gutenberg

A good example of this is furnished in Eastern Yndia, where the apostle St. Thomas converted innumerable souls in the kingdom of Bisnaga, Cuylan, Cochin, and Caratuete.

From Project Gutenberg