gambier

or gam·bir

[ gam-beer ]

noun

1. an astringent extract obtained from the leaves and young shoots of a tropical Asian shrub, Uncaria gambir, of the madder family, used in medicine, dyeing, tanning, etc.

gambier

/ ˈɡæmbɪə /

noun

1. an astringent resinous substance obtained from a rubiaceous tropical Asian woody climbing plant, Uncaria gambir (or U. gambier ): used as an astringent and tonic and in tanning

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambier¹

First recorded in 1820–30, gambier is from the Malay word gambir the name of the plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambier¹

C19: from Malay

Example Sentences

As a senior at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, Professor Hamilton participated in the first convocation for young poets at Indiana University, an event financed by the philanthropist Ruth Lilly.

From New York Times

For instance, this allowed scientists to identify nine new and already-extinct species of helicinid land snails by combing the Gambier Islands in the Pacific for empty shells and combining these with specimens that already existed in museums.

From Salon

In August, the village of Gambier, home to Kenyon College, approved a temporary mask requirement for public buildings, including schools, with a $25 fine for violators.

From Washington Post

The group had been planning to build a larger school building, but the violence has made it harder to travel and get supplies, said Kenlyn Miller, 46, the chairman of the school’s board in Gambier, Ohio.

From New York Times

Dr. Rivest is now an assistant professor of history at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.

From New York Times