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opuntia

noun
opun·​tia | \ ō-ˈpən(t)-sh(ē-)ə How to pronounce opuntia (audio) \

Definition of opuntia

: any of a large genus (Opuntia) of American cacti with usually yellow flowers and flat or cylindrical jointed stem segments typically studded with tubercles bearing spines or prickly hairs — compare cholla, prickly pear

Examples of opuntia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Choices include euphorbia resinifera for acropora (also known as staghorn coral); opuntia microdasys monstrose for turbinaria; deuterocohnia brevifolia for galaxea; and mammillaria pilcayensis (bristle brush cactus) for dendrogyra or pillar coral. — Martina Schimitschek, sandiegouniontribune.com, "At Scripps, a seascape landscape," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'opuntia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of opuntia

1601, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for opuntia

Latin, a plant, from feminine of opuntius of Opus, from Opunt-, Opus Opus, ancient city in Greece

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More from Merriam-Webster on opuntia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about opuntia

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