n.
Pronunciation: ō - ' p ə n(t)-sh( ē -) ə
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, a plant, from feminine of opuntius of Opus, from Opunt-, Opus Opus, ancient city in Greece
Date: 1601
: any of a large genus ( Opuntia ) of American cacti with usually yellow flowers and flat or terete joints usually studded with tubercles bearing spines or prickly hairs ― compare CHOLLA , PRICKLY PEAR