gambier

noun

gam·​bier ˈgam-ˌbir 

variants or less commonly gambir

: 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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Malay gambir "the plant Uncaria gambir"

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gambier

noun

gam·​bier

variants also gambir

ˈgam-ˌbi(ə)r 

: 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