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

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

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.

Rishyasringa said, 'Let me give thee ripe fruits, such as gallnuts, myrobalans, Karushas, Ingudas from sandy tracts and Indian fig.

From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 Books 1, 2 and 3 by Ganguli, Kisari Mohan

The Indian fig trees sent down from every branch suckers, like smooth strings, which rooted themselves in the ground to draw up more water.

From Anahuac : or, Mexico and the Mexicans, Ancient and Modern by Tylor, Edward Burnett

Not in the way of refreshments, just at present," continued their governess, "but only as belonging to the mulberry family; and we will begin with that curious tree the banyan, or Indian fig.

From Among the Trees at Elmridge by Church, Ella Rodman