melaleuca

noun

mel·​a·​leu·​ca ˌme-lə-ˈl(y)ü-kə How to pronounce melaleuca (audio)
: any of a genus (Melaleuca) of Australian and southeast Asian trees and shrubs of the myrtle family
especially : cajeput

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek melas black + leuka, feminine of leukos white — more at light

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of melaleuca was in 1790

Dictionary Entries Near melaleuca

Cite this Entry

“Melaleuca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melaleuca. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

melaleuca

noun
mel·​a·​leu·​ca ˌmel-ə-ˈl(y)ü-kə How to pronounce melaleuca (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of Australian and southeast Asian trees and shrubs of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that includes the cajeput (M. leucadendron)
2
: any tree or shrub of the genus Melaleuca
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