catechu

noun

cat·​e·​chu ˈka-tə-ˌchü How to pronounce catechu (audio)
-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 (Senegalia catechu synonym Acacia catechu)
b

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of catechu was in 1683

Dictionary Entries Near catechu

Cite this Entry

“Catechu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catechu. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

catechu

noun
cat·​e·​chu ˈkat-ə-ˌchü, -ˌshü How to pronounce catechu (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on catechu

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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