sireh
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Baba malay:
sireh
Detailed etymology
definitions
noun
- Piper betle, also known as betel, a climbing vine whose leaves were traditionally chewed with areca nut and slaked lime as a stimulant, or used in traditional medicine
usage notes
The chewing of betel nut was a popular pastime in the Peranakan community (before it was linked to oral cancer). Thus, a 'tempat sireh' (sireh set), usually an ornate box or set of small jars to contain the various ingredients such as areca nut, betel leaves, slaked lime, tobacco, etc. was a common sight in most households.