cactus

[ kak-tuhs ]

noun

, plural cac·ti [kak, -tahy], cac·tus·es, cac·tus.

1. any of numerous succulent plants of the family Cactaceae, of warm, arid regions of the New World, having fleshy, leafless, usually spiny stems, and typically having solitary, showy flowers.

cactus

/ kækˈteɪʃəs; ˈkæktəs /

noun

1. any spiny succulent plant of the family Cactaceae of the arid regions of America. Cactuses have swollen tough stems, leaves reduced to spines or scales, and often large brightly coloured flowers
2. cactus dahlia
   a double-flowered variety of dahlia

Derived Forms

• cactaceous, adjective

Other Words From

• cactus·like cactoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cactus¹

1600–10; < Latin < Greek káktos cardoon

Word History and Origins

Origin of cactus¹

C17: from Latin: prickly plant, from Greek kaktos cardoon

Example Sentences

Classic seasonal offerings like the Shamrock Shake and Halloween-themed “Boo Buckets” have remained fan favorites, while new collaborations, such as the 2020 “Adult Happy Meals” with cult streetwear brand Cactus Plant Flea Market, keep the brand contemporary.

From Salon

At the Cactus Jack Cagle Community Center in Spring, Texas, on Thursday afternoon, a steady stream of Texans turned out to vote early in the 5 November election.

From BBC

The heat hit hard and the men and the boys, who had been on foot for months, blended in with scrub brush and cactus, keeping an eye on the cartel gunmen camped on a ridge beneath a blue sky where vultures circled.

From Los Angeles Times

Tread the sand of Laguna Beach past Halfway Rock to Cactus Point, the latter a rocky promontory with a tunnel near the surf line.

From Los Angeles Times

Say goodbye to the beach for now just before Cactus Point, ascending the stairs with a black railing to Pearl Street and then turning right on Ocean Way.

From Los Angeles Times