croton

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noun cro·ton \ ˈkrō-tᵊn \

Definition of croton

1 :any of a genus (Croton) of herbs, shrubs, and trees of the spurge family: such as

a :one (C. eluteria) of the Bahamas yielding cascarilla bark

b :an Asian plant (C. tiglium) yielding croton oil

2 :any of a genus (Codiaeum) of shrubs and trees related to the crotons

Recent Examples of croton from the Web

West Bay WMA, Allen Parish, various clear cuts have a good goat weed (croton) response, expect good dove jump shooting. *

— todd masson, NOLA.com, "Louisiana opens several public fields to dove hunters," 30 Aug. 2017
A few more tips from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden: ▪ Build a hot-themed bed with just three plants: coleus, crotons and cannas.

— anna webb, idahostatesman, "Believe it or not, a monochrome garden can add color, flair to your yard," 10 Mar. 2017
Crofelemer comes from the South American tree croton lechleri, which is known by locals as dragon's blood because a machete to its bark brings a blood-like ooze.

— kristen philipkoski, WIRED, "A Drug to Eradicate Diarrhea," 11 July 2005

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'croton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of croton

New Latin, genus name, from Greek krotōn castor-oil plant

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1751

See Words from the same year

Croton

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geographical name Cro·ton \ ˈkrō-tᵊn \

Definition of Croton

river 60 miles (95 kilometers) long in southeastern New York flowing into the Hudson River

Medical Dictionary

croton

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noun cro·ton \ ˈkrōt-ᵊn \

medical Definition of croton

1 capitalized :a genus of herbs and shrubs of the spurge family

2 :an herb or shrub of the genus Croton: as

a :one (C. eluteria) of the Bahamas yielding cascarilla bark

b :an Asian plant (C. tiglium) yielding croton oil

Learn More about croton

See words that rhyme with croton Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about croton

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croton

Definition of croton

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Origin and Etymology of croton

Croton

Definition of Croton

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croton

medical Definition of croton

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