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Glite Dictionary
Opuntia cholla

Opuntia cholla

9.9
A cactus that grows like a small tree with very sharp spines
  • noun
  • /oʊˈpʌn.ti.ə ˈtʃoʊ.lə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Opuntia cholla
  • Many hikers avoid Opuntia cholla due to its extremely sharp spines.

Examples

  • Several desert animals use the Opuntia cholla for both shade and protection.

  • The Opuntia cholla is well adapted to the arid climate of the desert southwest.

  • The Opuntia cholla thrives in arid conditions.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the beauty of Opuntia cholla.

  • Many hikers avoid Opuntia cholla due to its extremely sharp spines.

  • Several desert animals use the Opuntia cholla for both shade and protection.

  • The Opuntia cholla is well adapted to the arid climate of the desert southwest.

Synonyms

cholla
vsOpuntia cholla
  • US
1 9.9

A cactus with jointed round stems that have sharp spines, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico

is one specific species within that group rather than several

Surface Forms

Opuntia cholla singular
Opuntia chollas plural

Morphology

Opuntia + cholla

The compound is taxonomic: it combines the genus name 'Opuntia' (a large genus of cacti) with the species or common-name element 'cholla' (a cactus native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico), so its meaning as a particular cactus species is directly derivable from the constituents. Although somewhat technical, the composition follows transparent scientific naming conventions that a learner who knows both words can readily interpret.

Etymology

Opuntia cholla comes from the old name Opuntia for prickly pear cacti and the Spanish word cholla, used for the desert cacti with many jointed stem parts. The cactus has very sharp, jointed stems that easily 'stick' to skin or fur, so the name helps you remember it is a spiny, jointed cactus.