cajeput

noun

caj·​e·​put ˈka-jə-pət  -ˌpu̇t 

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

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

Medical Definition

cajeput

noun

caj·​e·​put ˈkaj-ə-pət, -ˌpu̇t 

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