eucalyptus

eu·ca·lyp·tus

noun \ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs\

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

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

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

eu·ca·lyp·tus

noun \ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of EUCALYPTUS

1

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

2

plural ; eu·ca·lyp·ti \-ˌtī, -ˌtē\ (audio pronunciation) (audio pronunciation) or ; eu·ca·lyp·tus·es : any tree or shrub of the genus Eucalyptus

—eucalyptus adjective

eucalyptus

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of the more than 500 species of mostly very large trees in the genus Eucalyptus, in the myrtle family, native to Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, and nearby islands. Many species are grown widely throughout the temperate regions of the world as shade trees or in forestry plantations. Because they grow rapidly, many species attain great height. The leaf glands of many species, especially E. salicifolia and E. globulus, contain a volatile, aromatic oil known as eucalyptus oil, used mostly in medicines. Eucalyptus wood is used extensively in Australia as fuel, and the timber is commonly used in buildings and fencing. The bark of many species is used in papermaking and tanning.