cactus Definition

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 (such as deserts)

a large harsh-voiced wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) especially of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico

any of a genus (Ferocactus) of nearly globular deeply ribbed spiny cacti of Mexico and the adjacent U.S.; also : any of several similar cacti (genus Echinocactus)

a branching Brazilian cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii 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

saguaro

any of several tall upright cacti (such as Sternocereus thurberi) of the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico that usually branch at the base to form several upright stems

a commonly cultivated tropical American cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) with showy crimson flowers

park in southern Arizona on the Mexican border containing flora not found elsewhere in U.S.

any of numerous shrubby opuntias chiefly of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that have needlelike spines partly enclosed in a papery sheath and cylindrical joints —called also cholla cactus

a very large brown bear (Ursus arctos) of northwestern North America —called also grizzly