buchu

[ boo-koo, byoo-kyoo ]

noun

1. any of several southern African citrus shrubs of the genus Agathosma or the genus Diosma, especially A. betulina, A. crenulata, or D. ericoides, whose leaves yield a dark-colored oil formerly used as a urinary antiseptic and mild diuretic.

buchu

/ ˈbuːkuː /

noun

1. any of several S. African rutaceous shrubs of the genus Barosma , esp B. betulina , whose leaves are used as an antiseptic and diuretic

Word History and Origins

Origin of buchu¹

1725–35; < Afrikaans (now spelling boegoe ) < Khoikhoi, first attested as boggoa (1668)

Word History and Origins

Origin of buchu¹

C18: from a South African Bantu name

Example Sentences

Therefore, my baasjes, Outa cooks bossies from the veld to rub on—buchu and kookamakranka and karroo bossies.

From Project Gutenberg

Outa will tell the baasjes about them another night, but now he must go quick—quick and let Lys rub his back with buchu.

From Project Gutenberg

Columbian spirits, caramel, cinnamon and cardamom, and a touch of the buchu.

From Project Gutenberg

A bitter extractive matter, obtained by Brande from buchu leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

The British Pharmacopoeia contains an infusion and tincture of buchu.

From Project Gutenberg