Hypertext Webster Gateway: "catechu"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (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}]
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