n.
Pronunciation: ' ka-t ə - ˌ chü, - ˌ shü
Function: noun
Etymology: probably modification of Malay kachu, of Dravidian origin; akin to Tamil & Kannada k ā cu catechu
Date: 1683
: any of several dry, earthy, or resinous astringent substances obtained from tropical plants of Asia: as a : an extract of the heartwood of an East Indian acacia ( Acacia catechu ) b : GAMBIER