croton

noun

cro·​ton ˈkrō-tᵊn How to pronounce croton (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Croton) of herbs, shrubs, and trees of the spurge family: such as
a
: one (C. eluteria) of the Bahamas yielding cascarilla bark
b
: an Asian plant (C. tiglium) yielding croton oil
2
: any of a genus (Codiaeum) of shrubs and trees related to the crotons

Examples of croton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are many varieties of croton; choose the one that compliments your decor best. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2024 Then replant with more rot-resistant coleus, caladiums, crotons or crossandra to add the color. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2024 Conceivably, Pissarro would have arrived at those croton hues without his Caribbean childhood, but as a metaphor the idea is sound: Pissarro’s island identity was essential to his always liminal life. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2023 Containers planted with vibrant crotons pair perfectly with a cheerful smattering of pumpkins. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for croton 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'croton.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek krotōn castor-oil plant

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of croton was in 1751

Dictionary Entries Near croton

Cite this Entry

“Croton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/croton. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

croton

noun
cro·​ton ˈkrōt-ᵊn How to pronounce croton (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of herbs and shrubs of the spurge family
2
: an herb or shrub of the genus Croton: as
a
: one (C. eluteria) of the Bahamas yielding cascarilla bark
b
: an Asian plant (C. tiglium) yielding croton oil

Geographical Definition

Croton

geographical name

Cro·​ton ˈkrō-tᵊn How to pronounce Croton (audio)
1
river 60 miles (95 kilometers) long in southeastern New York flowing into the Hudson River
2
see crotone

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