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cactus

Pronunciation: /ˈkaktəs/

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Definition of cactus

noun (plural cacti /-tʌɪ/ or cactuses)

  • a succulent plant with a thick fleshy stem which typically bears spines, lacks leaves, and has brilliantly coloured flowers. Cacti are native to arid regions of the New World and are cultivated elsewhere, especially as pot plants.
    • Family Cactaceae: numerous genera and species

Derivatives

cactaceous

Pronunciation: /-ˈteɪʃəs/

adjective

Origin:

early 17th century (in the sense 'cardoon'): from Latin, from Greek kaktos 'cardoon'

Spelling help

The plural of cactus can be spelled either cactuses or cacti (as in the original Latin).

cactus in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of cactus in the US English dictionary

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