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

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

Some deodorants marketed as “natural” use ingredients such as baking soda, activated charcoal and tea tree oil for their antimicrobial and deodorizing properties.

From Washington Post • Nov. 28, 2022

This scrub from Folk Magick Botanicals has a gentle but soothing scent that mixes pine, tea tree and sandalwood and feels both luxurious and comforting.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2022

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

McFarlane borrowed the square punt from the 'Clonmel' wreckers, a weak stockyard of tea tree was erected, and the punt was moored alongside.

From The Book of the Bush Containing Many Truthful Sketches Of The Early Colonial Life Of Squatters, Whalers, Convicts, Diggers, And Others Who Left Their Native Land And Never Returned by Macfarlane, J.