tonka bean
[ tong-kuh ]
/ ˈtɒŋ kə /
noun
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.
the tree itself.
Origin of tonka bean
1790–1800;
tonka probably < Tupi
tõka
Words nearby tonka bean
tonic spasm,
tonicity,
tonicoclonic,
tonight,
tonk,
tonka bean,
tonkin,
tonkinese,
tonle sap,
tonlet,
tonn.
Example sentences from the Web for tonka bean
This flavoring is made from the tonka-bean, which contains a deadly poison.
Searchlights on Health: Light on Dark Corners |B.G. Jefferis
British Dictionary definitions for tonka bean
tonka bean
/ (ˈtɒŋkə) /
noun
a tall leguminous tree, Coumarouna odorata, of tropical America, having fragrant black almond-shaped seeds
the seeds of this tree, used in the manufacture of perfumes, snuff, etc
Word Origin for tonka bean
C18: probably from Tupi
tonka