cactus

Etymology

From Latin cactus, from Ancient Greek κάκτος (káktos, “cardoon”), possibly of Pre-Greek origin.

noun

1. (botany) Any member of the family Cactaceae, a family of flowering New World succulent plants suited to a hot, semi-desert climate.
2. Any succulent plant with a thick fleshy stem bearing spines but no leaves, such as euphorbs.

adj

1. (Australia, New Zealand, slang, dated) Non-functional, broken, exhausted, dead.
   I wouldn't mind throwing it away if it's cactus except for the VCR part which works fine, so then I'd be up for a new VCR as well. July 8 2001, Dave, “TV Problems”, in aus.electronics (Usenet)
   I would say it's cactus. Water conducts & destroys components & PCBs very easily. Hence the water-resistant phones. August 25 2004, AC, “water damage ???”, in alt.cellular.nokia (Usenet)
   ‘It′s cactus,’ Rod, the helicopter pilot, said at the sound of the piston ring shattering. 2009, Will Chaffey, Swimming with Crocodiles: An Australian Adventure, page 108
   Michael Armstrong: "Michael Armstrong, I represent Sonia Stevens." Sue "Boomer" Jenkins: "Oh, haven't you heard? She cactus." Armstrong "Yes, I realize that, and that's a terrible business. 2018, “Fractured”, in Wentworth