Catechu

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

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