tonca bean

2 definitions found

tonca bean - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Tonca bean \Ton"ca bean`\ (Bot.)
     See Tonka bean.
     [1913 Webster]

  Tonka bean \Ton"ka bean`\ [Cf. F. onca, tonka.] (Bot.)
     The seed of a leguminous tree (Dipteryx odorata), native of
     Guiana. It has a peculiarly agreeable smell, and is employed
     in the scenting of snuff. Called also tonquin bean.
     [Written also tonca bean, tonga bean.]
     [1913 Webster]