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Webster 1913 Edition


Tonka bean

Ton′ka beanˊ

.
[Cf. F.
onca
,
tonka
.]
(Bot.)
The seed of a leguminous tree (
Dipteryx odorata
), native of Guiana. It has a peculiarly agreeable smell, and is employed in the scenting of snuff. Called also
tonquin bean
.
[Written also
tonca bean
,
tonga bean
.]