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)