n. 1 any small tree or shrub of the genus Croton, producing a capsule-like fruit. 2 any small tree or shrub of the genus Codiaeum, esp. c. variegatum, with coloured ornamental leaves. croton oil a powerful purgative obtained from the fruit of Croton tiglium.
[ mod.L f. Gk kroton sheep-tick, croton (from the shape of its seeds) ]