Definition

1. Noun:
   • A strongly aromatic perennial herb: "catnip" refers to a hairy, aromatic perennial plant (Nepeta cataria) with whorls of small, white, purple-spotted flowers arranged in a terminal spike.
   • A substance attractive to cats: The plant contains a chemical (nepetalactone) that is strongly attractive to and can cause a temporary euphoric or excited state in many domestic cats.
   • A historical domestic remedy: In the past, the herb was used in home remedies, often brewed as a tea for its mild sedative properties in humans.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • I planted some catnip in the garden, and now my cat won't leave that spot.
  • The dried catnip inside the toy mouse makes it my kitten's favorite.
  • Herbalists once recommended catnip tea to soothe nerves and aid sleep.

Advanced Usage

• "to be like catnip to someone": to be something that is irresistibly attractive or appealing to a specific person or group.
  • The new video game is like catnip to teenagers.
• "catnip effect": the characteristic euphoric or excited reaction exhibited by cats upon exposure to the plant.
  • The toy triggered the full catnip effect: rolling, purring, and playful batting.

Variants and Related Words

• Catmint (n): Another common name for the same plant, . It is often used interchangeably with "catnip," though some varieties of are ornamental and may not have the same potent effect on cats.
• Nepetalactone (n): The essential oil and active chemical compound in catnip that triggers the characteristic response in felines.

Synonyms

• Catmint: The primary synonym, referring to the same plant.
• Field balm: A less common regional name.

Related Phrases

(Note: "Catnip" itself is not typically used to form phrasal verbs. The related phrases are idiomatic extensions.)

Related Idioms

• Like catnip to a cat: Used to describe something that is extremely and predictably attractive or enticing to someone.
  • Gossip about celebrities is like catnip to a cat for that magazine.

Noun

1. hairy aromatic perennial herb having whorls of small white purple-spotted flowers in a terminal spike; used in the past as a domestic remedy; strongly attractive to cats