eucalyptus

noun eu·ca·lyp·tus \ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs\

: a type of tree that grows naturally in western Australia and that is grown in other places for the products (such as wood and oil) that it provides

plural eu·ca·lyp·ti\-ˌtī, -ˌtē\ or eu·ca·lyp·tus·es

Full Definition of EUCALYPTUS

: any of a genus (Eucalyptus) of mostly Australian evergreen trees or rarely shrubs of the myrtle family that have rigid entire leaves and umbellate flowers and are widely cultivated for their gums, resins, oils, and woods

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Origin of EUCALYPTUS

New Latin, genus name, from eu- + Greek kalyptos covered, from kalyptein to conceal; from the conical covering of the buds — more at hell

First Known Use: 1801

EUCALYPTUS Defined for Kids

eucalyptus

noun eu·ca·lyp·tus \ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs\

plural eu·ca·lyp·ti \-ˌtī\ or eu·ca·lyp·tus·es

Definition of EUCALYPTUS for Kids

: a tree mainly of Australia that is widely grown for its timber, gums, and oils

Medical Dictionary

eucalyptus

noun eu·ca·lyp·tus \ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs\

Medical Definition of EUCALYPTUS

capitalized : a genus of mostly Australian evergreen trees or rarely shrubs of the myrtle family that have rigid entire leaves and umbellate flowers and are widely cultivated for their gums, resins, oils, and useful woods