gambier

noun

gam·​bier ˈgam-ˌbir How to pronounce gambier (audio)
variants or less commonly gambir
: a yellowish catechu that is obtained from a tropical southeast Asian woody vine (Uncaria gambir) of the madder family and is used for chewing with the betel nut and for tanning and dyeing

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Malay gambir "the plant Uncaria gambir"

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gambier was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near gambier

Cite this Entry

“Gambier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gambier. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

gambier

noun
gam·​bier
variants also gambir
: a yellowish catechu that is obtained from a southeast Asian woody vine (Uncaria gambir) of the madder family and that is used for chewing with the betel nut and for tanning and dyeing

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