eucalyptus

noun eu·ca·lyp·tus \ ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs \

Definition of eucalyptus

plural eucalypti play \ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-ˌtī, -ˌtē\ or eucalyptuses

: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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Recent Examples of eucalyptus from the Web

The relentless mountains are variously attired in snowy crowns, swaths of wildflowers, rock outcroppings, waterfalls, and eucalyptus groves.

— david holahan, courant.com, "A Connecticut Pilgrimage To Machu Picchu," 15 Aug. 2017
Portugal’s Civil Protection Agency says firefighters have brought under control a major 5-day-old wildfire that blackened a wide area of pine and eucalyptus forest.

— nadine achoui-lesage, The Seattle Times, "French crews tame dramatic wildfire on Mediterranean coast," 27 July 2017
The property has several eucalyptus trees along its northern boundary and along Stratford Court to the east.

— phil diehl, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Twice annual tree trimming is not enough for seaside condo owner," 18 July 2017
Entering the building, the decor created the feel of a garden party indoors with greenery throughout and tabletop arrangements of white hydrangeas, garden roses, fresh mint and eucalyptus.

— sue strachan, NOLA.com, "Nine debutantes celebrated at Juleps in June soiree," 10 July 2017
Apply an insect repellent with DEET, IR 3535, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to product instructions.

— jesse garza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee Health Department says mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus," 30 June 2017
While this may sound like a normal animal behavior, koalas typically consume only eucalyptus leaves, which has historically been their primary source of both moisture and nutrition.

— National Geographic, "Picture of Koala Hugging Mom Shows Species' Plight," 22 June 2017
Workers had to remove the large eucalyptus tree from atop the car roof.

— laura a. oda, The Mercury News, "Driver hits downed tree in Oakland hills," 22 June 2017
Land clearing in Australia for human developments, agriculture, and roads means that the eucalyptus forests upon which koalas have historically depended no longer exist in some regions.

— National Geographic, "Picture of Koala Hugging Mom Shows Species' Plight," 22 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology 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

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First Known Use: 1801

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EUCALYPTUS Defined for English Language Learners

eucalyptus

noun

Definition of eucalyptus for English Language Learners

: 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

EUCALYPTUS Defined for Kids

eucalyptus

noun eu·ca·lyp·tus \ ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs \

Definition of eucalyptus for Students

plural eucalypti \-ˌtī\ or eucalyptuses

: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

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 eucalypti play \-ˌtī, -ˌtē\ or eucalyptuses :any tree or shrub of the genus Eucalyptus

—

eucalyptus

adjective

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Spanish Central: Translation of eucalyptus Nglish: Translation of eucalyptus for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eucalyptus

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