catechu

noun

cat·​e·​chu ˈka-tə-ˌchü 

-ˌshü

: any of several dry, earthy, or resinous astringent substances obtained from tropical plants of Asia: such as

a

: an extract of the heartwood of an acacia (Acacia catechu)

b

: gambier

Word History

Etymology

probably modification of Malay kachu, of Dravidian origin; akin to Tamil & Kannada kācu catechu

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

catechu

noun

cat·​e·​chu ˈkat-ə-ˌchü, -ˌshü 

: any of several dry, earthy, or resinous astringent substances obtained from tropical plants of Asia: as

a

: an extract of the heartwood of a tropical acacia tree (Acacia catechu) of southern Asia that was formerly used in medicine

b

: gambier