cajeput

noun

caj·​e·​put ˈka-jə-pət How to pronounce cajeput (audio) -ˌpu̇t How to pronounce cajeput (audio)
variants or cajeput tree
: either of two Australian and southeast Asian trees (Melaleuca leucadendron and M. cajuputi) of the myrtle family that yield a pungent medicinal oil and have been introduced into Florida

Examples of cajeput in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Menthol and Olbas oil (a mixture of peppermint, eucalyptus, cajeput, wintergreen, juniper, and clove) may cause redness and irritation to the eyes. Philly.com, 22 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Malay kayu putih, from kayu wood, tree + putih white

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cajeput was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near cajeput

Cite this Entry

“Cajeput.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cajeput. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

cajeput

noun
caj·​e·​put ˈkaj-ə-pət, -ˌpu̇t How to pronounce cajeput (audio)
variants or cajeput tree also cajuput or cajuput tree
: an Australian and southeast Asian tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia synonym M. leucadendron) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that yields a pungent medicinal oil and has been introduced into Florida

called also paperbark

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