Definition

A substance made from the heartwood of a specific Asian tree, used for making dyes and tannins.

Example

The artisan used catechu to create a rich brown dye for the fabric.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of catechu?

Yeah, I think it's used to make certain dyes, right?

Exactly! It's derived from the heartwood of a tree.

That's interesting! I love learning about natural materials.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Catechu originates from the Malay word 'kachu', which refers to a type of tree (Acacia catechu) whose wood is used to produce a substance that has medicinal properties. The term specifically denotes the extract derived from this tree, used historically in various applications, including traditional medicine and dyeing.

Memory Tip

Think of the Malay word 'kachu' which refers to a tree that provides a valuable extract. This helps you remember that 'catechu' is derived from this tree and is used for its medicinal properties.

Visually Confused Words