catechu

[ kat-i-choo, -kyoo ]

noun

1. any of several astringent substances obtained from various tropical plants, especially from the wood of two East Indian acacias, Acacia catechu and A. suma: used in medicine, dyeing, tanning, etc.

catechu

/ ˈkætɪˌtʃuː /

noun

1. See gambier
   a water-soluble astringent resinous substance obtained from any of certain tropical plants, esp the leguminous tree Acacia catechu of S Asia, and used in medicine, tanning, and dyeing See also gambier

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechu¹

1670–80; < New Latin < Portuguese; perhaps a conflation of Marathi kāt catechu and kāccu, with same sense, alleged to be < Malayalam; cashoo, cutch perhaps < Malay kacu < Malayalam, or a cognate Dravidian word

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechu¹

C17: probably from Malay kachu, of Dravidian origin

Example Sentences

Foreign astringents (generally catechu) are added to conceal the presence of exhausted leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

A catechu bath is now prepared, in which the silk is entered and worked for an hour, and then allowed to steep over night.

From Project Gutenberg

The astringent taste of old brandy is imitated by the introduction of a little catechu into the British spirits.

From Project Gutenberg

A third product to which the name catechu is also applied, is obtained from the fruits of the areca or betel palm, Areca catechu.

From Project Gutenberg

Ordinary black catechu is usually imported in three different forms.

From Project Gutenberg