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

Pierre Van Cortlandt, a distinguished revolutionary patriot, died at his seat at Croton river, aged 94.

From Project Gutenberg

Croton quadripartitum, Labill., was observed in longitude 148 degrees.

From Project Gutenberg

We shall starve to death—like Croton water-bugs caught in a diamond casket, said Flick, who had a taste for poetical flights.

From Project Gutenberg

He made no further attempt in that direction, and Washington retreated to a good position behind Croton river.

From Project Gutenberg

Washington had been drawn down thither, and Lee, whom he left at the Croton, failed to support him.

From Project Gutenberg