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.
Phrases and idioms:
croton oil a powerful purgative obtained from the fruit of Croton tiglium.
Etymology: mod.L f. Gk kroton sheep-tick, croton (from the shape of its seeds)