rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybetelVine with leaves used for chewing
noun

betel

BEE-tul/ˈbiːtl/

A South Asian vine whose leaves are chewed with areca nut and lime.

A fresh betel leaf holds sliced areca nut beside the climbing vine.

A botanically recognizable betel vine climbing a simple support, paired with a freshly picked leaf holding sliced areca nut to connect the plant to its characteristic use.
Etymology
betelMalayalambetel leaf

Malayalam vettila is traced to an expression meaning “simple leaf.” In English, the name applies both to the climbing plant and to its leaf, the part that is chewed.

In context

Storytime Haven394:33
and stuffed his mouth with _pan_ and betel.
Kim by Rudyard Kipling 📚✨ | A Tale of Adventure and Espionage in India

More examples

  • The farmer grows betel on supporting poles.
  • Fresh betel leaves are stacked beside the lime paste.
  • This climbing betel vine needs a warm climate.

Similar words

areca
Names the palm whose nuts are often chewed with betel.