n 1  :  a tropical leguminous tree (Tamarindus indica) with hard yellowish wood, pinnate leaves, red-striped yellow flowers, and a fruit with an acid pulp  2  :  the partially dried ripe fruit of a tamarind with the brittle outer portion of the pericarp removed that has been used esp. formerly in pharmacy preserved in sugar or syrup esp. for its laxative properties .
 
   
 
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