Dictionary

catechu

noun cat·e·chu \ˈka-tə-ˌchü, -ˌshü\

Definition of CATECHU

:  any of several dry, earthy, or resinous astringent substances obtained from tropical plants of Asia: as
a :  an extract of the heartwood of an East Indian acacia (Acacia catechu)
b :  gambier
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Origin of CATECHU

probably modification of Malay kachu, of Dravidian origin; akin to Tamil & Kannada kācu catechu
First Known Use: 1683
Medical Dictionary

catechu

noun cat·e·chu \ˈkat-ə-ˌchü, -ˌshü\

Medical Definition of CATECHU

:  any of several dry, earthy, or resinous astringent substances obtained from tropical plants of Asia: as a :  an extract of the heartwood of an East Indian acacia (Acacia catechu) that was formerly used in medicine b :  gambier

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