betel nut

American  

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.

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betel nut British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of betel nut

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

betel nut

Evidence for betel nut consumption can now be traced into the Late Pleistocene, long before the development of agriculture.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026

In one episode, a Mizoram betel nut plantation was set on fire.

From New York Times ● Jul. 27, 2021

The practice involves placing a small gift — a bit of money or betel nut — in a basket in exchange for a favor.

From Fox News ● Dec. 13, 2018

A native cash crop, betel nut is referred to as "green gold", and it is completely untaxed.

From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2017

One of those present, sometimes a priest, lays a plate with seven offerings of betel nut upon the grave.

From The Manóbos of Mindanáo Memoirs of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume XXIII, First Memoir by John M. Garvan