cactus
|cac/tus|
B1
/ˈkæktəs/
spiny desert plant
Etymology
Etymology Information
'cactus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cactus', which was used to describe a spiny plant.
Historical Evolution
'cactus' was borrowed directly from Latin into English, maintaining its form and meaning.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to any spiny plant, but over time it has come to specifically denote the family of plants known as Cactaceae.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of plant that typically grows in arid environments, characterized by thick, fleshy stems that store water and often have spines instead of leaves.
The cactus thrives in the desert's harsh conditions.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42