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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cajeput.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cajeput. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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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