prickly pear

noun

1. any of numerous cacti of the genus Opuntia, having flattened, usually spiny stem joints, yellow, orange, or reddish flowers, and ovoid, often edible fruit.
2. the usually prickly fruit of such a cactus.

prickly pear

noun

1. any of various tropical cacti of the genus Opuntia, having flattened or cylindrical spiny joints and oval fruit that is edible in some species See also cholla nopal
2. the fruit of any of these plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of prickly pear¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

The route: Hike to Batiquitos Lagoon, then to Moonlight State Beach, where you’ll be bathed in the scent of the flowers cascading down the steep escarpment above, including lantana, purple sea foam and prickly pear cactus blossoms.

From Los Angeles Times

The plant Mexicans most identify with is the prickly pear cactus.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to the heat, there are multiple varieties of prickly plants — cholla is the one that’s most commonly cited, but it can be painful to run into a prickly pear, a yucca or even a Joshua tree, Marini said.

From Los Angeles Times

Flores also notes that the inspiration for the purple sweet potato flavor is due to the "famous ceviche at our sister restaurant," and also references a new guava prickly pear flavor, which is a "nice dairy free option for our customers."

From Salon

She had come to deliver an order of her frozen prickly pear and lime pops but was preoccupied by a just-released decision by Arizona’s highest court that upheld an 1864 law banning nearly all abortions.

From New York Times