catechu

noun

1. extract of the heartwood of Acacia catechu used for dyeing and tanning and preserving fishnets and sails; formerly used medicinally

   noun.plant

   Synonyms black catechu

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. East Indian spiny tree having twice-pinnate leaves and yellow flowers followed by flat pods; source of black catechu

   noun.plant

   Synonyms acacia catechu jerusalem thorn

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. A dry, brown, astringent extract, obtained by decoction and evaporation from the <i>Acacia catechu</i>, 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 <i>terra japonica</i>, <i>cutch</i>, <i>gambier</i>, etc.

   noun

   Source: webster1913