eucalyptus

[ yoo-kuh-lip-tuhs ]

noun

, plural eu·ca·lyp·ti [yoo-k, uh, -, lip, -tahy], eu·ca·lyp·tus·es.

1. any of numerous often tall trees belonging to the genus Eucalyptus, of the myrtle family, native to Australia and adjacent islands, having aromatic evergreen leaves that are the source of medicinal oils and heavy wood used as timber.

eucalyptus

/ ˌjuːkəˈlɪptəs; ˈjuːkəˌlɪpt /

noun

1. any myrtaceous tree of the mostly Australian genus Eucalyptus, such as the blue gum and ironbark, widely cultivated for the medicinal oil in their leaves ( eucalyptus oil ), timber, and ornament

Other Words From

• euca·lyptic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eucalyptus¹

1800–10; < New Latin < Greek eu- eu- + kalyptós covered, wrapped, akin to kalýptein to cover

Word History and Origins

Origin of eucalyptus¹

C19: New Latin, from eu- + Greek kaluptos covered, from kaluptein to cover, hide

Example Sentences

The Keller fire erupted Friday afternoon in the Oakland Hills and quickly grew to 15 acres, burning through a swath of eucalyptus trees toward hillside homes.

From Los Angeles Times

Using mosquito repellents is also recommended — so long as they have active ingredients approved by the EPA, such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, Farned said.

From Los Angeles Times

Oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be listed by its chemical name, PMD.

From Los Angeles Times

Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than age 3, the CDC says.

From Los Angeles Times

But as this Hinge experiment with his simp-y Harry Styles hair and $200 sweatpants tries to lock eyes with me, I’m still staring just past his shoulder at a fake eucalyptus plant.

From Los Angeles Times