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haitsai

noun
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hai·​tsai | \ ˈhīˈtsī \
plural -s

Definition of haitsai

1 : a transparent gelatinous substance prepared from a red alga (Gloiopeltis tenax) and used by the Chinese for lanterns and windows and for stiffening cloth
2 : the alga that yields haitsai

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History and Etymology for haitsai

Chinese (Pekingese) hai3-t'sai4, from hai3 sea + t'sai4 herb, green vegetable

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“Haitsai.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haitsai. Accessed 24 January 2020.

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