Box n.  Bot. A tree or shrub, flourishing in different parts of the world. The common box (Buxus sempervirens) has two varieties, one of which, the dwarf box (Buxus suffruticosa), is much used for borders in gardens.  The wood of the tree varieties, being very hard and smooth, is extensively used in the arts, as by turners, engravers, mathematical instrument makers, etc.
 Box elder, the ash-leaved maple (Negundo aceroides), of North America.
 Box holly, the butcher's broom (Russus aculeatus).
 Box thorn, a shrub (Lycium barbarum).
 Box tree, the tree variety of the common box.


 Bux·ine n. Chem. An alkaloid obtained from the Buxus sempervirens, or common box tree. It is identical with bebeerine; -- called also buxina.

 ◄ ►


 Buxus sempervirens
      n : large slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree with
          multiple stems; extensively used for hedges or borders
          and topiary figures [syn: common box, European box]