Box \Box\ (b[o^]ks), n. [As. box, L. buxus, fr. Gr. ?. See Box a case.]

(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 (B. 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)