tea tree

American  

noun

1. a tall shrub or small tree, Leptospermum scoparium, of the myrtle family, native to New Zealand and Australia, having silky foliage when young, and bell-shaped, white flowers: often planted to prevent beach erosion.

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tea tree British  

noun

1. any of various myrtaceous trees of the genus Leptospermum, of Australia and New Zealand, that yield an oil used as an antiseptic

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Etymology

Origin of tea tree

First recorded in 1750–60; so called from the use of its leaves as an infusion

Example Sentences

The aromatherapy head massage was a dry one, in which Nevins rubbed tingly-feeling tea tree oil into my scalp and then applied an electronic, cephalopod-like device, its multiple arms whirling away tension.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2024

Zagorski also says that some plant-derived products are also known endocrine disruptors, lavender oil and tea tree oil being notable examples.

From National Geographic • Sep. 6, 2023

Q: I tried everything to get rid of lice in my daughter’s long hair — Nix, olive oil, tea tree oil, mayonnaise and combing the hair every night.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2022

If you are hellbent on avoiding acne products and still want a home remedy, consider something like tea tree oil over toothpaste.

From Washington Post • Jun. 6, 2022

The blue gum, she-oak, and cherry tree of Port Jackson were common here, and also one with the leaves of the gum tree, but with the soft bark of the tea tree.

From An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales, Volume 2 by Collins, David