barrel cactus

noun

1. any of several large, cylindrical, ribbed, spiny cacti of the genera Echinocactus and Ferocactus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barrel cactus¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

The plants within are keyed to the word’s meaning — tough barrel cactus for the former, fragrant sage for the latter.

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The front yard, with its barrel cactus, ponytail palms and Australian cactus collection, pays homage to the iconic neighboring botanical garden, Lotusland.

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Plants saved in several locations for three years for eventual landscaping included saguaro, ocotillo and barrel cactus and palo verde, mesquite and ironwood trees.

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The barrel cactus’s shape and height would make a good spot to rest weary legs if not for the interlacing spikes encircling them.

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Prickly pear and barrel cactus dotted the ground, while swallows, yellowthroats, and meadowlarks soared above.

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