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Glite Dictionary
Echinocactus

Echinocactus

9.9
A type of cactus with a barrel or round shape from the US southwest to Brazil
  • noun
  • /ˌɛkɪˈnoʊˌkæktəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : equinocactus
  • The Echinocactus species is known for its spherical shape and ability to store water in arid environments.

Examples

  • Gardeners often prefer Echinocactus plants because they require minimal maintenance and thrive in sunny conditions.

  • In his collection, he proudly displayed a beautiful Echinocactus, which bloomed with bright yellow flowers.

  • Cereus echinocactus, opuntia.

    It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)

Compounds

Echinocactus grusonii
  • Specialized
9.9

A large round cactus with golden spines and yellow flowers

Surface Forms

Echinocactus singular
Echinocactuses plural

Morphology

Echinocactus = cactus (semi-transparent) = echino + cactus

The word is clearly a type of cactus, but the combining form 'echino-' is specialized scientific vocabulary meaning 'spiny' and may not be known by average learners.

Etymology

Echinocactus combines the Greek part echino- meaning 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin' and cactus meaning 'spiny plant', so the name paints a picture of a round, very spiny cactus like a hedgehog. This helps explain why the plants in this group are barrel-like and covered in sharp spines.