Definition of "cactus" []

• Any of various succulent, spiny, usually leafless plants native mostly to arid regions of the New World, having variously colored, often showy flowers with numerous stamens and petals. (noun)
• Any of several similar plants. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "This brain cactus is another of the plant species found in the botanical gardens in Phoenix, one of the most peaceful environments that I know."
• "A novelty to foreign visitors, the cactus is as common on the Mexican plate as potatoes or rice in many other parts of the world."
• "The prickley pear cactus is in bloom and besides their beauty, quail and javalina love to feed on their blossoms."