tonka bean

noun

ton·​ka bean ˈtäŋ-kə- 

: the coumarin-containing seed of any of several tropical American leguminous trees (genus Dipteryx, especially D. odorata) that is used in perfumes and as an artificial vanilla flavoring

also : a tree bearing tonka beans

Examples of tonka bean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Frankincense and amber blend with spicy cardamom and patchouli, softened by sweet tonka bean and a hint of sea spray. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

But that quality dances surprisingly well with an array of other notes, including sandalwood, cedar, lily of the valley, and tonka bean. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2024

Maude’s kit has warm notes of amber, cedar leaf, and tonka bean. —Malia Griggs, SELF, 18 Oct. 2024

The sweet and tart smell is deepened with patchouli, cardamom, warm oud, and tonka bean. —Megan Wahn, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Dutch tonka(-boon) & Portuguese (fava-)tonca, perhaps of Cariban origin

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tonka bean

noun

ton·​ka bean ˈtäŋ-kə- 

: the seed of any of several leguminous trees of the genus Dipteryx that contains coumarin and is used in perfumes and as a flavoring

also : a tree bearing tonka beans