ˈhīˈtsī noun
( -s )
Etymology: Chinese (Pekingese) hai 3 -t'sai 4 , from hai 3 sea + t'sai 4 herb, green vegetable
1. : a transparent gelatinous substance prepared from a red alga ( Gloiopeltis tenax ) and used by the Chinese for lanterns and windows and for stiffening cloth
2. : the alga that yields haitsai