bonduc

[ bon-duhk ]

noun

1. a semitropical tree, Caesalpinia bonducella, of the legume family, the decorative seeds of which are used for jewelry and rosaries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonduc¹

Probably earlier than 1940–45; < French < Arabic bunduq hazelnut ≪ Greek Pontikòn ( káryon ) hazelnut, literally, Pontic nut

Example Sentences

I had intended to have asked you whether the Mimosa scandens and Guilandina bonduc grows at Kew, to try fresh seeds.

From Project Gutenberg