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.
   
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   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.
         
[1913 Webster]