cereus

ce·reus (sir′ē əs)

noun

any of a genus (Cereus) of cactus, including a number of night-blooming varieties of other genera, native to the SW U.S. and Mexico

Etymology: ModL < L, wax taper < cera, wax: so named from the shape of certain varieties

Adjective modifier

e.g.: Those which require oxygen are called aerobes, e.g. Bacillus cereus.

Modifies a noun

pedunculatus: Cereus pedunculatus ( Pennant ), Sagartia bellis ( Gosse ).

Noun used with modifier

bacillus: Bacillus cereus: rice, cereal products, cheese products.

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