nopal

views updated May 21 2018

no·pal / ˈnōpəl; nōˈpäl/ • n. a cactus (genus Nopalea) that is a major food plant of the insects from which cochineal is obtained. ∎  (nopales ) the edible fleshy pads of this cactus, used as a staple in Mexican cuisine.

nopal

views updated May 21 2018

nopal (nopallitos) Mexican, flattened stem segments of cacti (Opuntia spp.) eaten as a vegetable.

nopal

views updated May 29 2018

nopal Amer. cactus. XVIII. — F. nopal or its source Sp. nopal — Mex. nopalli cactus.