First Known Use: 1767
Dictionary
cactus
noun cac·tus \ˈkak-təs\
: a plant that lives in the desert and that has many sharp points (called spines)
plural cac·ti \-ˌtī, -(ˌ)tē\ or cac·tus·es also cactus
Full Definition of CACTUS
: any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (as deserts)
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Origin of CACTUS
New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek kaktos
Rhymes with CACTUS
CACTUS Defined for Kids
cactus
noun cac·tus \ˈkak-təs\
plural cac·ti \-ˌtī, -tē\ or cac·tus·es
Definition of CACTUS for Kids
: any of a large group of flowering plants of dry regions that have thick juicy stems and branches with scales or spines
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