/ɑːˈreɪkə/ i (UK) /ɑˈriːkə/ i (US)

Definitions

1. noun

A palm tree (Dypsis lutescens) native to the Seychelles, its trunk often used as a water pipe, its leaves used as thatch, its seeds used as a stimulant, and its nuts (betel nuts) chewed with betel.

“The villagers used the areca nut as a traditional form of chewing gum.”

2. noun

The nut of the areca palm, used for chewing with betel.

“Betel and areca nuts are staples in the cultural and social practices of several communities.”

3. noun

A variety of palm tree (Dypsis catechu), the seeds of which are used in chewing with betel.

“Areca nuts have been consumed for centuries in the traditional betel nut culture of the region.”