Cactus Meaning and Definition
Cactus
Pronunciation
/ˈkæktəs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of succulent plant that has thick, waxy stems and sharp, spiny leaves, native to hot, dry regions of the world.
Examples
- The desert landscape featured rows of cacti along the highway.
- Cacti are popular ornamental plants due to their unique shapes and sizes.
Synonyms
- Succulent
- Spiny Plant
Antonyms
- Delicate
- Flower
Etymology
The English word “cactus” comes from the Greek word “kaktos”, meaning “thorn”, and was first used to describe the plant in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
In general, “cactus” is used to refer to individual plants, while “cacti” is used to refer to multiple plants.
Cultural References
The desert-dwelling Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is a symbol of the American Southwest, and has been featured in numerous works of art and literature.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Prickly as a cactus” is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe someone or something that is difficult or irritating to deal with.
Related Words or Phrases
- Succulent
- Echinocactus
- Prickly Pear
Collocations
- Cactus flower
- Cactus garden
- Cactus spine
Frequency of Use
“Cactus” is a relatively common word in modern language, particularly in contexts related to gardening, landscaping, or desert ecology.
Common Misspellings
- Kactus
- Katcus
- Kactus’