areca
[uh-ree-kuh, ar-i-]
- any tropical Asian palm of the genus Areca, as the betel palm.
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Origin of areca
1500–10; < New Latin (earlier E spellings reflect Portuguese or F); all ultimately < Malayalam aṭaykka
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for areca
Historical Examples
The fruit, when tender, is masticated like the Areca catechu.
The Philippine IslandsJohn Foreman
He, at the same time, gave me a book for myself also written and painted by him, together with several purses for Areca nut.
On the sand a lighted lamp is placed, with an areca nut by its side.
Castes and Tribes of Southern IndiaEdgar Thurston
Branches of areca nuts and flowers adorned the posts and pillars.
Castes and Tribes of Southern IndiaEdgar Thurston
Their own country supplies them with betel and areca, but they have their tea from China and Japan.
Tea and Tea DrinkingArthur Reade
areca
- any of various tall palms of the genus Areca, which are native to SE Asia and have white flowers and orange or red egg-shaped nuts
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Word Origin
C16: from Portuguese, from Malayalam adekka
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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