Catechu

[kætitʃu:]

Definition

(noun.) East Indian spiny tree having twice-pinnate leaves and yellow flowers followed by flat pods; source of black catechu.

Edited by Bertram--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A dry, brown, astringent extract, obtained by decoction and evaporation from the Acacia catechu, and several other plants growing in India. It contains a large portion of tannin or tannic acid, and is used in medicine and in the arts. It is also known by the names terra japonica, cutch, gambier, etc.

Edited by Craig

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. Cutch, gambier, Japan earth, Terra Japonica.

Typed by Andy

Definition

n. a substance used in tanning and dyeing and medicinally as an astringent obtained from the heart-wood of several East Indian trees as the betel-nut &c.

Editor: Pasquale