also: かんちく
noun
Chinese bamboo; bamboo imported from China
Archaic term for bamboo brought from China, historically used for making flutes and other items. The reading からたけ is standard; かんちく is rare.
昔、唐竹は笛の材料として珍重された。
In the past, Chinese bamboo was prized as a material for flutes.
noun
descending vertical sword attack
Only when written 唐竹
In kendo and similar martial arts, a downward strike aimed at the opponent's head or center. Written 唐竹 and read からたけ.
剣道の試合で、唐竹を決めて一本を取った。
In the kendo match, he scored a point with a descending vertical strike.
唐 (kara, 'China') + 竹 (take, 'bamboo'). The kendo sense is a metaphorical extension from the shape of the bamboo.