n. 1 any small evergreen tree or shrub of the genus Buxus, esp. B. sempervirens, a slow-growing tree with glossy dark green leaves which is often used in hedging. 2 its wood, used for carving, turning, engraving, etc. 3 any of various trees in Australasia which have similar wood or foliage, esp. those of several species of Eucalyptus. 4 = BOXWOOD. box elder the American ash-leaved maple, Acer negundo.
[ OE f. L buxus, Gk puxos ]