cactus etymology

Etymology

The word "cactus" is derived from the Greek word "kaktos," which refers to a thorny plant.

Meaning

Cactus is a type of succulent plant that is characterized by its thick, fleshy stems and spines.

Origin

The term "cactus" was first used by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus in the 3rd century BC to describe a spiny plant he observed in Greece. The word was later adopted by the Romans and spread throughout Europe. In the 16th century, European explorers brought cactus plants to the Americas, where they quickly became naturalized in many regions. Today, there are over 2,000 species of cactus, which are found in a wide range of habitats around the world.

cactus relate terms

  • mescal

    Etymology The word mescal originates from the Nahuatl Aztec word mexcalli which t

  • thorn

    Etymology The word thorn comes from the Old English word þorn which in turn comes f

  • cochineal

    Etymology and Meaning Cochineal pronounced ˈkoʊ tʃiː niːl is a scarlet dye prod

  • succulent

    Etymology The word succulent comes from the Latin word succus meaning juice or sa

  • contrite

    Etymology Latin contritus past participle of conterere to rub together crush grind

  • hyperbole

    Etymology The word hyperbole comes from the Greek word hyperbolē which means overt

  • oblivion

    Etymology Latin oblivīsci to forget Ultimately from the Proto Indo European r

  • keep

    Etymology Derived from the Middle English word kepen meaning to hold or guard Me

  • discrimination

    Etymology The word discrimination originates from the Latin word discriminare which