melaleuca

[mel-uh-loo-kuh]

noun

1. any of various chiefly Australian shrubs or trees belonging to the genus Melaleuca, of the myrtle family, including the cajeput and several species of bottlebrush.

melaleuca

/ ˌmɛləˈluːkə /

noun

1. any shrub or tree of the mostly Australian myrtaceous genus Melaleuca, found in sandy or swampy regions

Word History and Origins

Origin of melaleuca¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus), irregular coinage from Greek mélā ( s ) black + leukḗ, feminine of leukós white; so called from its black trunk and white branches

Word History and Origins

Origin of melaleuca¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek melas black + leukos white, from its black trunk and white branches

Example Sentences

According to federal court records, Nguyen didn’t like the decades-old melaleuca tree in the Wallingfords’ yard.

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The chef’s kitchen and family room both open to a dining pergola complete with an alley of melaleuca trees.

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Authorities introduced melaleuca to drain the Everglades.

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Clearing out rows of ornamental trees, with the assistance and support of superintendent Dennis Fowler, allows the eye to focus on the attractive remaining eucalyptus, melaleuca and Torrey pines.

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The committee has about 30 members and is comprised of a cross-section of small and large business owners, including billionaire Frank Vandersloot, founder of wellness shopping club Melaleuca.

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