croton

noun

cro·​ton ˈkrō-tᵊn 

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

Examples of croton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The recent cold appears to have damaged my crotons. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025

There are many varieties of croton; choose the one that compliments your decor best. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2024

Then replant with more rot-resistant coleus, caladiums, crotons or crossandra to add the color. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2024

Conceivably, Pissarro would have arrived at those croton hues without his Caribbean childhood, but as a metaphor the idea is sound: Pissarro’s island identity was essential to his always liminal life. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing croton

• croton oil

Rhymes for croton

• oaten
• multiphoton

Medical Definition

croton

noun

cro·​ton ˈkrōt-ᵊn 

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

Geographical Definition

Croton

geographical name

Cro·​ton ˈkrō-tᵊn 

1

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

2

see crotone