noun
betel
BEE-tuhl
noun
1
The leaf of a tropical vine chewed together with areca nut in parts of Asia.
"He wrapped a pinch of lime and spices in a betel leaf."
2
The betel or areca nut chewed alongside the leaf.
"Betel nut stains the teeth a dark reddish colour over time."
How to Use Betel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA leaf and nut combination widely chewed as a mild stimulant across South and Southeast Asia.
Common pairings
betel leaf
betel nut
chew betel
Word Forms
betels plural
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He wrapped a pinch of lime and spices in a _____ leaf.
Etymology
Borrowed through Portuguese from a South Indian word for the plant's leaf.