Catechu

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
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}]
from The 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]
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