croton

[ kroht-n ]

noun

1. any of numerous chiefly tropical plants constituting the genus Croton, of the spurge family, several species of which, as C. tiglium, have important medicinal properties.
2. (among florists) any plant of the related genus Codiaeum (or Phyllaurea ) cultivated for its ornamental foliage.

croton

/ ˈkrəʊtən /

noun

1. any shrub or tree of the chiefly tropical euphorbiaceous genus Croton, esp C. tiglium, the seeds of which yield croton oil
2. any of various tropical plants of the related genus Codiaeum, esp C. variegatum pictum, a house plant with variegated foliage

Word History and Origins

Origin of croton¹

1745–55; < New Latin < Greek krotṓn a tick, also the castor-oil plant, which has berries likened to ticks

Word History and Origins

Origin of croton¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek krotōn tick, castor-oil plant (whose berries resemble ticks)

Example Sentences

The spiraling hedges are planted with gold dust croton, a leafy green plant dotted with yellow.

From Los Angeles Times

The hardiest of these plants, she said, are the palms, crotons, philodendrons and alocasias.

From New York Times

Another popular fall plant, according to Carlson, is the variegated croton.

From Seattle Times

After I potted my croton and calathea — and a handful of other botanical beauties — I expected instant relaxation.

From Seattle Times

“Jomo takes care of the compound. He comes in three times a week. Funny man, I’ve seen him talking to the croton plant.”

From Literature