myrobalan

noun

my·​rob·​a·​lan

mīˈräbələn,

mə̇ˈ-

variants or less commonly myrobalam

-ləm

or myrabolam

-rabələm

or myrabolan

-lən

or myrobolan

-räbələn

plural -s

1

a

: the dried astringent fruit of any of several East Indian trees of the genus Terminalia (as T. chebula and T. bellerica) used chiefly in tanning and in inks

b

: a tree producing myrobalans

2

a

: cherry plum sense 1

b

: emblic

Word History

Etymology

Middle French mirobolan, mirabolan, from Latin myrobalanus, myrobalanum, from Greek myrobalanos, from myron unguent, perfume + balanos acorn

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now