gambier

or gam·bir

[ gam-beer ]

noun

1. an astringent extract obtained from the leaves and young shoots of a tropical Asian shrub, Uncaria gambir, of the madder family, used in medicine, dyeing, tanning, etc.

gambier

/ ˈɡæmbɪə /

noun

1. an astringent resinous substance obtained from a rubiaceous tropical Asian woody climbing plant, Uncaria gambir (or U. gambier ): used as an astringent and tonic and in tanning

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambier¹

First recorded in 1820–30, gambier is from the Malay word gambir the name of the plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambier¹

C19: from Malay

Example Sentences

Thus, the sailor appellation of Admiral Gambier—“old bloody Politeful”—must not be inveighed against too hardly.

From Project Gutenberg

It has several gold mines and a great quantity of land planted to pepper, gambier, gutta percha and rubber.

From Project Gutenberg

Gambier is an extract of the leaves and twigs of the eastern shrub Nauclea gambier.

From Project Gutenberg

The tannage consists of oak bark and myrabs together with gambier.

From Project Gutenberg

"Sude" and "velvet calf" are also tawed and retanned with gambier.

From Project Gutenberg