Christmas cactus

noun

: a branching Brazilian cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana synonym S. buckleyi) having flat jointed stems with scalloped margins and showy usually red, pink, white, violet, or yellow flowers
also : a related cactus (Schlumbergera truncata synonym Zygocactus truncatus) or a hybrid of this and the Christmas cactus

Word History

Etymology

from its annual blooming around Christmastime

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Christmas cactus was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near Christmas cactus

Christmas bush

Christmas cactus

Christmas cake

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Christmas cactus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Christmas%20cactus. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

Christmas cactus

noun
: a branching Brazilian cactus with flat stems and showy flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on Christmas cactus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Christmas cactus

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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