catechu — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A gummy extract of any of several species of Acacieae, but especially Senegalia catechu, produced by boiling the wood of the tree in water and evaporating the resulting liquid.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   The pale catechus are usually sweeter and more pleasant for chewing.

Noun

1. extract of the heartwood of Acacia catechu used for dyeing and tanning and preserving fishnets and sails; formerly used medicinally

   Synonyms

   black catechu

   Broader terms

   infusionextract

2. East Indian spiny tree having twice-pinnate leaves and yellow flowers followed by flat pods; source of black catechu

   Synonyms

   Jerusalem thornAcacia catechu

   Broader terms

   acacia