betel nut

noun

1. the astringent kernel of the seed of the betel palm, chewed in many tropical regions in combination with slaked lime and the leaves of the betel plant.

betel nut

noun

1. the seed of the betel palm, chewed with betel leaves and lime by people in S and SE Asia as a digestive stimulant and narcotic

Word History and Origins

Origin of betel nut¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

She said she hopes to produce more drag performances in Taiwan that highlight the island’s unique characteristics, such as temple fairs, night markets and betel nut girls, who dress up to sell the chewy fruit stimulant at roadside stalls.

From Los Angeles Times

Paan, a betel nut leaf with slaked lime, rose petal jam and mouth fresheners like cardamom and cloves, has fascinated South Asians for centuries.

From BBC

There's no anxiety that chewing on a betel nut cannot soothe.

From BBC

Chewing on a betel nut, his teeth stained blood red, the man insisted he was a boat owner, not a smuggler.

From Washington Post

"Why did they shoot and kill the people demonstrating? Why did they torture them? Why are they killing people without reason?" he asks, as he chews betel nut in his base in the forest.

From BBC