peppermint

noun

• 1 [mass noun] the aromatic leaves of a plant of the mint family, or an essential oil obtained from them, used as a flavouring in food: [as modifier]:peppermint creams peppermint tea
• [count noun] a sweet flavoured with peppermint oil: she sucked on her peppermints

• 2 [mass noun] the cultivated Old World plant which yields peppermint leaves or oil: a sprig of peppermint

  • Mentha × piperita, family Labiatae

• 3Australian any of a number of trees or shrubs with peppermint-scented foliage, in particular:

  • a gum tree with leaves that yield an aromatic essential oil (genus Eucalyptus, family Myrtaceae). a myrtle grown as an ornamental tree or shrub (genus Agonis, family Myrtaceae).