eucalyptus

Definitions

eu- (good, well) + calyptus (Greek kalyptos = covered) = 'well-covered.' The tree is named for its flower buds, not its leaves: each bud wears a neat cap (operculum) that covers it well and falls off when the flower opens.

Why It Means This

The kalyptos 'cover' root has a famous cousin: apocalypse is apo- (un-, off) + kalyptos = 'an uncovering,' a revelation. So a eucalyptus bud is 'well-covered,' while an apocalypse is the lid being pulled off the world. Same root, opposite directions.

Common Collocations

• 1.eucalyptus oil桉树油
• 2.eucalyptus tree桉树
• 3.eucalyptus leaves桉树叶

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Koalas feed almost entirely on eucalyptus leaves.

• 2.

  The air smelled of eucalyptus after the rain.

• 3.

  She rubbed eucalyptus oil on her chest to ease the cough.