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I ignored caustic, irritable, prickly sort (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cactus

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'prickly sort' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cactus that I've seen before include "Prickly sort" , "Eg, prickly pear" , "Prickly desert plant" , "Succulent desert plant" , "Drought-resistant plant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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