croton

croton Definition

cro·ton (krōt′'n)

noun

any of a large, mostly tropical genus (Croton) of shrubs, trees, and herbs of the spurge family: certain species yield croton oil and cascarilla, formerly used in medicine, and others are poisonous range weeds in the SW U.S.
any of a genus (Codiaeum) of shrubs of the spurge family, grown for their ornamental, leathery leaves

Etymology: ModL < Gr krotōn, a tick, castor-oil plant or (in pl.) its ticklike seeds

croton Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

oil: A detailed histopathological study of the effects of croton oil on the skin was made by Bandmann ( 1960 ).

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