Betel
/ˈbiːtəl/noun
The leaf of a tropical Asian climbing plant, commonly chewed with areca nut and lime as a stimulant.
Did you know?The English word came through Portuguese from Malay, but the chewing practice was so culturally important that in many regions betel served as a social offering, breath freshener, and ritual symbol of hospitality.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit
Skt
pūga / nāgara?
“Early South Asian terms associated with areca palm and chewing mixtures”
Malay
Malay
bĕtēl
“Betel leaf and the chewing preparation made with it”
Portuguese
Pt
betel
“Betel leaf, as encountered in Asian trade”
16th Century
English
betel
“The betel leaf used for chewing and stimulant preparation”
Modern English
English
betel
“The leaf of a tropical climbing plant chewed with areca nut and lime”