First Known Use: 1601
Dictionary
opuntia
noun opun·tia \ō-ˈpən(t)-sh(ē-)ə\
Definition of OPUNTIA
: any of a large genus (Opuntia) of American cacti with usually yellow flowers and flat or terete joints usually studded with tubercles bearing spines or prickly hairs — compare cholla, prickly pear
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Origin of OPUNTIA
Latin, a plant, from feminine of opuntius of Opus, from Opunt-, Opus Opus, ancient city in Greece
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