Word Study
gambier
CIDE DICTIONARY
gambier, n. [Malayan.].
The inspissated juice of a plant (Uncaria Gambir ) growing in Malacca. It is a powerful astringent, and, under the name of Terra Japonica , is used for chewing with the Areca nut, and is exported for tanning and dyeing. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
gambier, n. an astringent extract of an Eastern plant used in tanning etc.
Etymology
Malay gambir name of the plant
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