tonka bean

[ tong-kuh ]

noun

1. the fragrant, black almond-shaped seed of a tall tree belonging to the genus Dipteryx (or Coumarouna ), of the legume family, especially D. odorata, of tropical South America, used in perfumes, as a source of coumarin, and as a substitute for vanilla.
2. the tree itself.

tonka bean

/ ˈtɒŋkə /

noun

1. a tall leguminous tree, Coumarouna odorata, of tropical America, having fragrant black almond-shaped seeds
2. the seeds of this tree, used in the manufacture of perfumes, snuff, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of tonka bean¹

1790–1800; tonka probably < Tupi tõka

Word History and Origins

Origin of tonka bean¹

C18: probably from Tupi tonka

Example Sentences

It can be obtained from the tonka bean by extraction with alcohol.

From Project Gutenberg

This flavoring is made from the tonka-bean, which contains a deadly poison.

From Project Gutenberg