tonka bean

[tong-kuh]

tonka bean

[tong-kuh]
noun
1.
the fragrant, black almond-shaped seed of a tall tree belonging to the genus Dipteryx (or Coumarouna), of the legume family, especially D. odorata, of tropical South America, used in perfumes, as a source of coumarin, and as a substitute for vanilla.
2.
the tree itself.

Origin:
1790–1800; tonka probably < Tupi tõka
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Tonka bean is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
Collins
World English Dictionary
tonka bean (ˈtɒŋkə)
 
n
1.  a tall leguminous tree, Coumarouna odorata, of tropical America, having fragrant black almond-shaped seeds
2.  the seeds of this tree, used in the manufacture of perfumes, snuff, etc
 
[C18: probably from Tupi tonka]

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