1. An astringent extract obtained from the heartwood of certain tropical trees, used in tanning, dyeing, and traditional medicine.
Usage: Also called cutch or kutch; Derived primarily from Acacia catechu
2. A preparation made from catechu extract, chewed with betel leaf as a mild stimulant in South Asian cultures.
Usage: Common in India and Southeast Asia

Examples

• Catechu has been used for centuries in leather tanning.
• The dye industry relies on catechu for producing brown and black colors.
• In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, catechu is valued for its astringent properties.
• Many people in India chew betel with catechu as a mild stimulant.
• The extract from catechu wood contains high levels of tannins.