Christmas cactus
noun
: a branching Brazilian cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii 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