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haitsai

noun hai·tsai \ ˈhīˈtsī \

Definition of haitsai

plural -s
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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Origin and Etymology of haitsai

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

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