Main Entry:

eu·ca·lyp·tus

Pronunciation:

\ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

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

Etymology:

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

Date:

1801

: 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