CACTUS

[cac.tus] n, pl cac.ti or cac.tus.es also cactus [NL, genus name, fr. L, cardoon, fr. Gk kaktos] (1767): 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 esp. in dry areas (as deserts)