opuntia

/ɒpʌnˈtiːə/

Definitions

1. noun

A genus of cacti, especially the prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica, native to the Americas, having flat, rounded stems and flowers in clusters.

“The tourist visited the desert to see the beautiful opuntia flowers blooming in the sand.”

2. noun

The edible fruit of the prickly pear cactus.

“The opuntia was a delicacy in the traditional Mexican cuisine.”

Synonyms

  • nopal
  • prickly pear

Antonyms

  • hairless plant
  • smooth plant