betel-nut
|be-tel-nut|
/ˈbiːtəlˌnʌt/
chewable palm seed
Etymology
'betel-nut' originates from Portuguese and English, specifically the Portuguese word 'betel' (ultimately from Malayalam 'vettila') and the English word 'nut', where 'vettila' meant 'leaf' and 'nut' meant 'seed'.
'betel' changed from the Malayalam word 'vettila' to Portuguese 'betel' and entered European languages; it combined with English 'nut' to form the compound 'betel-nut' in early modern English to refer to the seed associated with betel chewing.
Initially, related forms referred primarily to the betel leaf or the betel plant; over time the compound 'betel-nut' came to refer specifically to the areca seed (and sometimes the chewing preparation containing it).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the seed (kernel) of the areca palm (Areca catechu), often chewed for its stimulant effect.
He chewed a betel-nut after the meal.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a prepared item consisting of an areca nut (or piece of it) wrapped in a betel leaf, often with lime and spices, chewed as a stimulant and cultural practice in parts of Asia and the Pacific.
Betel-nut is commonly offered at local festivals in some regions.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/16 01:01