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eucalyptus

(yo̵̅o̅′kə lip′təs)

any of a genus (Eucalyptus) of tall, aromatic, chiefly Australian evergreen trees of the myrtle family, bearing pendent leaves and umbels of white, red, or pink flowers and valued for their timber, gum, and oil

also eucalypt

Origin: ModL < eu- + Gr kalyptos, covered (from the covering of the buds) < kalyptein, to cover, conceal

See eucalyptus in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. eu·ca·lyp·tus·es or eu·ca·lyp·ti (-tīˌ)

Any of numerous tall trees of the genus Eucalyptus, native to Australia and having aromatic leaves that yield an oil used medicinally and wood valued as timber.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin Eucalyptus, genus name

Origin: : Greek eu-, eu-

Origin: + Greek kaluptos, covered (from kaluptein, to cover; see kel-¹ in Indo-European roots)

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