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Definition of cactus

cactus

/ˈkæk.təs/
cac · tus
Plural:cacti
•
Adjective:cactaceous
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cactus Lexical Profile

cactus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A succulent plant of the family Cactaceae, native primarily to the arid regions of the Americas, characterized by a thick, fleshy stem that stores water and typically bears spines or bristles instead of true leaves.

Example

"The towering saguaro cactus is an iconic symbol of the Sonoran Desert, capable of surviving long droughts by utilizing the water stored in its massive trunk."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cactus

Word Nuance & Usage

The plural form frequently causes hesitation; both the traditional Latin-derived 'cacti' and the anglicized 'cactuses' are considered correct and acceptable in standard English.

• Rhymes for cactus

• Nearby Words

cacciatore
cacheu
cacique
cactus
caddisfly
caecilian
caesar salad

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Latin 'cactus', which came from Ancient Greek 'kaktos', a word originally used to describe a completely different spiny plant (likely a cardoon or artichoke) native to Sicily.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cactus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cactus
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