Definition: cereus

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

Cereus
     n : genus of much-branched treelike or shrubby cacti with
         pronounced ribs and rounded needlelike spines and
         nocturnal flowers usually white [syn: Cereus, genus
         Cereus]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Cereus \Ce"re*us\, n. [L., a wax candle, fr. cera wax. So named
   from the resemblance of one species to the columnar shape of
   a wax candle.] (Bot.)
   A genus of plants of the Cactus family. They are natives of
   America, from California to Chili.

   Note: Although several species flower in the night, the name
         Night-blooming cereus is specially applied to the
         Cereus grandiflorus, which is cultivated for its
         beautiful, shortlived flowers. The Cereus giganteus,
         whose columnar trunk is sometimes sixty feet in height,
         is a striking feature of the scenery of New Mexico,
         Texas, etc.