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 aromas the team tested on participants were vanilla, almond, lemon, lemon myrtle, eucalyptus, peppermint, vinegar and lemongrass.

From Science Daily

Flores’ western honey bees, Apis mellifera, had been staying on the farm in Somis for the winter, feeding on the nearby pepper trees and eucalyptus to help get them through to spring.

From Los Angeles Times

Pollen from cypress pine trees, which have few natural protections against fire, fell dramatically, whereas pollen from more fire-tolerant eucalyptus, shrubs, and grasses became more common.

From Science Magazine

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

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

From Los Angeles Times