vine cactus
- noun
- /vaɪn ˈkæktəs/
- US
:
cactus enredadera
- The spiny branches of the vine cactus make it well adapted to arid environments.
Examples
-
Many hikers are fascinated by the unique appearance of the vine cactus in the Arizona desert.
-
The vine cactus blooms beautifully in the spring.
-
After the rains, the vine cactus blooms with clusters of vibrant red flowers.
-
Many vine cactuses can survive harsh desert conditions.
-
After the rains, the vine cactus blooms with clusters of vibrant red flowers.
-
Many hikers are fascinated by the unique appearance of the vine cactus in the Arizona desert.
-
The spiny branches of the vine cactus make it well adapted to arid environments.
Synonyms
69
1.8
A plant with thick stems that store water and sharp points, often in dry places
1
9.9
A desert shrub with thin spiny stems that grow leaves and red flowers after rain
A desert shrub with thin spiny branches and bright red flowers after rain
A spiny desert shrub with long stems and red flowers after rain
A desert shrub with thin spiny branches that makes red flowers after rain in the southwestern United States and Mexico
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is a straightforward noun–noun combination: a cactus with vine-like, long twining stems. A B1 learner who knows 'vine' and 'cactus' can readily infer this literal, compositional meaning because it follows normal English compounding patterns and is cross-linguistically transparent.
Etymology
Vine cactus is a name that shows its look: a cactus with long, thin, spiny branches that hang or climb like a vine. After the rains these branches produce bright red flower clusters, so the name helps you remember it is a 'desert shrub' with vine-like growth.