betel nut
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The seed of the betel palm (Areca catechu): A hard, astringent seed, typically sliced or grated, that is the primary ingredient in the preparation of betel quid for chewing. 2. A stimulant and narcotic preparation: Refers to the seed itself when used as a masticatory substance, often in combination with betel leaf, slaked lime, and sometimes tobacco.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Vendors at the market sell fresh betel nut wrapped in betel leaves.
- Chewing betel nut stains the teeth red and is a common social habit in many cultures.
- The betel nut is harvested from the betel palm tree.
Advanced Usage
- Cultural and social context: The use of betel nut is deeply embedded in social rituals, ceremonies, and daily life as a gesture of hospitality and camaraderie in many parts of Asia and the Pacific.
- Health context: Discussions often reference the stimulant effects (due to alkaloids like arecoline) and the significant health risks associated with habitual chewing, including oral cancer and dependency.
Variants and Related Words
- Areca nut: A more botanical or formal term synonymous with betel nut.
- Betel quid or paan: Refers to the complete package for chewing, which contains the betel nut along with other ingredients like betel leaf, lime, and spices.
- Betel chewing: The act of consuming betel quid.
Synonyms
- Areca nut
- Supari (common term in South Asia)
Related Phrases
- Betel nut palm: The tree () that produces the betel nut.
- Betel nut chew: The substance being chewed.
- Betel nut stain: The characteristic red or black discoloration on teeth and lips from chewing.
Noun
- seed of betel palm; chewed with leaves of the betel pepper and lime as a digestive stimulant and narcotic in southeastern Asia