catechu

2 definitions found

catechu - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Catechu \Cat"e*chu\, n. [See Cashoo.] (Chem.)
     A dry, brown, astringent extract, obtained by decoction and
     evaporation from the Acacia catechu, and several other
     plants growing in India. It contains a large portion of
     tannin or tannic acid, and is used in medicine and in the
     arts. It is also known by the names terra japonica,
     cutch, gambier, etc. --Ure. --Dunglison.
     [1913 Webster]

catechu - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  catechu
      n 1: extract of the heartwood of Acacia catechu used for dyeing
           and tanning and preserving fishnets and sails; formerly
           used medicinally [syn: black catechu, catechu]
      2: East Indian spiny tree having twice-pinnate leaves and yellow
         flowers followed by flat pods; source of black catechu [syn:
         catechu, Jerusalem thorn, Acacia catechu]