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Glite Dictionary
Lophophora williamsii

Lophophora williamsii

9.9
A small spineless cactus from Mexico and the southwestern United States used to make peyote
  • noun
  • /ˌloʊfəˈfoʊrə wɪˈljæmziˌi/
  • NSFW
translation icon : Lophophora williamsii
  • Lophophora williamsii is a small, globe-shaped cactus commonly found in Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Examples

  • Growing Lophophora williamsii is regulated in many countries due to its use in producing mescal buttons.

  • Botanists have studied Lophophora williamsii to understand its ecological role in desert environments.

  • Lophophora williamsii is well known for its psychoactive properties, particularly in indigenous ceremonies.

  • The Lophophora williamsii is often used in traditional medicine.

  • Many people are interested in the Lophophora williamsii for its psychoactive properties.

  • In some indigenous cultures, Lophophora williamsii is revered for its use in spiritual ceremonies.

  • The smooth texture and unique shape of Lophophora williamsii make it stand out among other cacti.

Synonyms

peyote
vsLophophora williamsii
  • NSFW
12 9.9

A small round cactus without spines that can cause visions

is the scientific species name for the same cactus
mescal
vsLophophora williamsii
  • NSFW
1 9.9

A small spineless round cactus from Mexico and the southwestern United States whose dried tops can cause hallucinations

is the botanical species term for that same plant

Surface Forms

Lophophora williamsii singular
Lophophora williamsiis plural

Morphology

Lophophora + williamsii

This is a Latin binomial (genus + species) used as a scientific name rather than a compositional English phrase. The species epithet 'williamsii' is a proper name with no descriptive meaning in ordinary English, so even if a learner knows 'Lophophora' as a type of cactus the full referent (the specific peyote cactus species) requires domain knowledge and is not derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Lophophora williamsii comes from old Greek words: Lophophora means 'crest' or 'tuft' and points to the small round crown on the cactus, and williamsii honors a collector named Williams, so the name helps you picture the plant and remember it is named after a person.