gambier

noun gam·bier \ ˈgam-ˌbir \

variants: or less commonly gambir

Definition of gambier

: 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

Origin and Etymology of gambier

borrowed from Malay gambir "the plant Uncaria gambir"

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1800

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

gambier

noun gam·bier

variants: also gambir play \ˈgam-ˌbi(ə)r\

medical Definition of gambier

: 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