areca nut

English

Noun

areca nut (plural areca nuts)

1. The seed of the areca palm (not a true nut but a drupe), chewed as a mild stimulant.
   • 2008, Amitav Ghosh, Sea of Poppies, Penguin, published 2015, page 87:

     It was the custom for the Englishmen to bring auspicious gifts, like areca-nuts and saffron, as well as bills and bullion.

   • 2011, Arupa Patangia Kalita, translated by Deepika Phukan, The Story of Felanee:

     Holding out a tray with betel leaves and areca nut, they knelt before the strapping young boys.

Synonyms

• betel nut

Translations

betel nut — see betel nut