Main Entry: cac·tus

Pronunciation: \ˈkak-təs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural cac·ti \-ˌtī, -(ˌ)tē\ or cac·tus·es also cactus

Etymology: New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek kaktos

Date: 1767

: 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)