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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

betel nut

Exactly when people first began using betel nut in this way has been difficult to establish because areca seeds rarely survive in the archaeological record.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026

Paan, a betel nut leaf with slaked lime, rose petal jam and mouth fresheners like cardamom and cloves, has fascinated South Asians for centuries.

From BBC ● Dec. 2, 2023

He could barely stand, but he followed the officer to a clearing, where three higher-ranking officials sat under the shade of betel nut trees.

From New York Times ● Aug. 8, 2019

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

This is known under the name of betel nut, and is about the size of a nutmeg.

From Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture by William Saunders

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