nopal

noun (plural nopales /-ˈpäles/)

• a cactus that is a major food plant of the bugs from which cochineal is obtained.

  • Genus Nopalea, family Cactaceae: several species, in particular N. cochinellifera
• (nopales) the edible fleshy pads of the nopal cactus, used as a staple in Mexican cuisine.
• the prickly pear cactus, when used in food supplements and herbal preparations.