eucalyptus

Everyday

1. A eucalyptus is a tall tree from Australia with long, strong-smelling leaves; it is also called a gum tree. tree →
2. Eucalyptus is the oil from its leaves, used in some medicines and sprays. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography lessons it is the main tree of Australian forests and the food of koalas; its oils make fires spread fast in bushfires. In everyday life eucalyptus smells fresh and is used for colds. Phrases: «a eucalyptus tree», «eucalyptus oil», «gum tree».

Examples

• Koalas eat eucalyptus leaves. tree →
• The eucalyptus tree smells fresh after rain. tree →
• Eucalyptus oil is used in some cold medicines. tree →
• Most of Australia's forests are eucalyptus forests. tree →
• The bark of the eucalyptus peels off in strips. tree →
• A kookaburra sat in the old gum tree. tree →
• Eucalyptus leaves are poisonous to most animals, but not to koalas. tree →

Note

Pronounced «yoo-kuh-LIP-tus». Starts with a «you» sound, so «a eucalyptus», not «an». Plural «eucalyptuses» or «eucalypti». Eucalyptus oil can be poisonous if swallowed; keep it away from small children.