Definition

1. Noun:
   • A succulent plant of the family Cactaceae: A type of plant, typically native to arid regions of the Americas, characterized by a thick, fleshy stem that stores water, reduced or absent leaves, and usually having spines.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The desert landscape was dotted with various species of cactus.
  • She carefully watered her small cactus on the windowsill.
  • Be careful not to touch the spines of that cactus.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in the cactus" (Australian & New Zealand informal): To be in a difficult or troublesome situation.
  • If we miss this deadline, we'll really be in the cactus.

Variants and Related Words

• Cacti (n): The most common plural form of cactus.
  • The botanical garden has a fascinating collection of cacti.
• Cactuses (n): An alternative, regular plural form of cactus.
• Cactaceous (adj): Belonging to or characteristic of the cactus family.
• Succulent (n/adj): A broader category of plants with thick, water-storing tissues, which includes cacti.

Synonyms

• Succulent: A plant with thick, fleshy tissues adapted to water storage.
• Xerophyte: A plant adapted to survive in an environment with little liquid water.

Related Phrases

• Cactus league: Informal name for the group of Major League Baseball teams that hold their spring training in Arizona, USA, a region known for its cacti.
• Cactus wren: A species of bird native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, often found in desert areas with cacti.

Noun

1. any succulent plant of the family Cactaceae native chiefly to arid regions of the New World and usually having spines