\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.