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catechu Definition

cat·echu (kat′ə c̸ho̵̅o̅′, -kyo̵̅o̅′)

noun

a hard, brown substance obtained from an Asiatic acacia (Acacia catechu) and other Asiatic trees and shrubs: used as an astringent in medicine, and for dyeing, tanning, etc.

Etymology: ModL < Malay kachu

catechu Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • pale: Pale catechu, which has similar medicinal properties, is derived from the unrelated plant Uncaria gambir Roxb. , fam.
  • black: Pale catechu has properties and uses similar to those of black catechu derived from Acacia catechu Willd. , fam.

Noun used with modifier

  • areca: Areca catechu L. This species is cultivated in tropical Asia for its seeds, areca or betel nuts.