variants
or less commonly gambir
: a yellowish catechu that is obtained from a tropical southeast Asian woody vine (Uncaria gambir) of the madder family and is used for chewing with the betel nut and for tanning and dyeing
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Today the modern equivalents of gambier—such as palm oil and timber plantations—and the relentless pursuit of profit means some areas are continuing to experience deforestation at the highest rates in the world.
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Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
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Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gambier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gambier. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
gambier
noun
gam·bier
variants
also gambir
: a yellowish catechu that is obtained from a southeast Asian woody vine (Uncaria gambir) of the madder family and that is used for chewing with the betel nut and for tanning and dyeing
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