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eucalyptus

Syllabification: (eu·ca·lyp·tus)
Pronunciation: /ˌyo͞okəˈliptəs/

(also eucalypt /ˈyo͞okəˌlipt/)
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Definition of eucalyptus

noun (plural eucalyptuses or eucalypti /-tī/)

  • a fast-growing evergreen Australasian tree that has been widely introduced elsewhere. It is valued for its timber, oil, gum, and resin, and as an ornamental tree. Also called gum1, gum tree.
    • Genus Eucalyptus, family Myrtaceae: numerous species
  • (also eucalyptus oil) the oil from eucalyptus leaves, chiefly used for its medicinal properties.

Origin:

modern Latin, from Greek eu 'well' + kaluptos 'covered' (from kaluptein 'to cover'), because the unopened flower is protected by a cap

eucalyptus in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of eucalyptus in the British & World English dictionary

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