Christmas cactus

noun

: a branching Brazilian cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana synonym S. buckleyi) having flat jointed stems with scalloped margins and showy usually red, pink, white, violet, or yellow flowers

also : a related cactus (Schlumbergera truncata synonym Zygocactus truncatus) or a hybrid of this and the Christmas cactus

Word History

Etymology

from its annual blooming around Christmastime

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Christmas cactus

• actus
• practice
• practise
• tractus
• malpractice

Kids Definition

Christmas cactus

noun

: a branching Brazilian cactus with flat stems and showy flowers