noun
- The seed of the areca palm, chewed in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, often wrapped in betel leaf with lime and other ingredients.
Usage: Also called areca nut.; Commonly used in cultural and social contexts in South and Southeast Asia.
Examples
- In many Southeast Asian countries, betelnut is chewed as a mild stimulant and social custom.
- The betelnut stall at the market sells fresh nuts wrapped in betel leaves.
- Chewing betelnut can stain the teeth and lips red over time.
- Betelnut is an important part of traditional ceremonies in Papua New Guinea.
- The combination of betelnut, betel leaf, and lime creates a distinctive flavor.
- Many people in India and Sri Lanka carry betelnut as a digestive aid.