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Glite Dictionary
echinocactus

echinocactus

9.9
A round cactus with strong ribs and many sharp spines
  • noun
  • /ˌɛkɪˈnoʊˌkæktəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : echinocactus
  • The echinocactus is often called a barrel cactus due to its round shape.

Examples

  • She keeps an echinocactus on her windowsill because it requires little care.

  • Botanists studied the spines of echinocactus to understand how they protect the plant from herbivores.

  • The echinocactus is known for its striking appearance.

  • Many gardeners love the echinocactus for its unique shape.

  • Botanists studied the spines of echinocactus to understand how they protect the plant from herbivores.

  • She keeps an echinocactus on her windowsill because it requires little care.

  • The echinocactus is often called a barrel cactus due to its round shape.

Compounds

Echinocactus grusonii
  • Specialized
9.9

A large round cactus with golden spines and yellow flowers

Surface Forms

echinocactus singular
echinocacti plural

Morphology

echinocactus = cactus (opaque) = echino + cactus

This is a specialized botanical Latin name: the combining form 'echino-' is not recognizable to most learners, so the compound is not derivable from everyday English knowledge.

Etymology

Echinocactus comes from Greek parts: echinos meaning 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin' (both very spiny) and cactus meaning 'spiny plant'. So an echinocactus is a round, very spiny cactus—like a hedgehog of the desert—which helps explain its name and look.