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

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

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

From Washington Times ● Dec. 13, 2018

The chewing of betel nut, the seed of the Areca palm, is common across Asia and the Pacific.

From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2017

The friends of her husband she should welcome by presenting them with flowers, ointment, incense, betel leaves, and betel nut.

From The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana Translated From the Sanscrit in Seven Parts With Preface, Introduction and Concluding Remarks by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir