catechu

American  

[kat-i-choo, -kyoo] / ˈkæt ɪˌtʃu, -ˌkju /

noun

1. any of several astringent substances obtained from various tropical plants, especially from the wood of two East Indian acacias, Acacia catechu and A. suma: used in medicine, dyeing, tanning, etc.

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catechu British  

/ ˈkætɪˌtʃuː /

noun

1. a water-soluble astringent resinous substance obtained from any of certain tropical plants, esp the leguminous tree Acacia catechu of S Asia, and used in medicine, tanning, and dyeing See also gambier

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Etymology

Origin of catechu

1670–80; < New Latin < Portuguese; perhaps a conflation of Marathi kāt catechu and kāccu, with same sense, alleged to be < Malayalam; cashoo, cutch perhaps < Malay kacu < Malayalam, or a cognate Dravidian word

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

catechu

Kassu, kas′ōō, n. a kind of catechu made from the fruit of the betel-nut palm.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

The fruit, when tender, is masticated like the Areca catechu.

From The Philippine Islands by Foreman, John

A catechu bath is now prepared, in which the silk is entered and worked for an hour, and then allowed to steep over night.

From Textiles For Commercial, Industrial, and Domestic Arts Schools; Also Adapted to Those Engaged in Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods, Wool, Cotton, and Dressmaker's Trades by Dooley, William H. (William Henry)

The pulvis catechu compositus contains catechu and kino, and may be given in doses twice as large as those named.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various

The wood of the two species of Acacia yielding catechu is taken for the manufacture when the trees have attained a diameter of about 1 ft.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various