Indian fig

American  

noun

1. a bushy or treelike cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica, of central Mexico, having large yellow flowers and juicy, red, edible fruit.

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Etymology

Origin of Indian fig

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Indian fig

And, always, winter’s fog and mist, one of Nepal’s seasonally distinct languages, shrouding the shrines in Pashupatinath, one of the world’s holiest Shiva temples, or cloaking a farmer by the valley’s sacred Indian fig trees.

From New York Times ● Mar. 5, 2015

Trees have frequently been identified with gods: thus in the Panma Purána, the religious fig tree is an incarnation of Vishnu, the Indian fig tree of Rudra, and the Palasa of Brahma.

From Cultus Arborum Phallic Tree Worship by Anonymous

Groves of orange and citron hang on the declivity, rough with the Indian fig, whose bright red flowers, illuminated by the sun, had a magic splendour. 

From Dreams, Waking Thoughts, and Incidents by Beckford, William

Specimens of this Indian fig are mentioned as being of immense size.

From Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture by Saunders, William

The first extends from the level of the sea to 100 feet above it, and in it flourishes the palm, banana, Indian fig or prickly pear, sugar-cane, mimosa, and acacia.

From Etna A History of the Mountain and of its Eruptions by Rodwell, G. F.