Cat·e·chu n. 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.
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Acacia catechu
n : East Indian spiny tree having twice-pinnate leaves and
yellow flowers followed by flat pods; source of black
catechu [syn: catechu, Jerusalem thorn]