Definition

1. Noun:
   • A very leafy, malodorous, tropical weedy shrub: Coffee senna refers to a specific type of shrub that is known for its dense foliage and unpleasant odor. It is considered a weed in tropical regions.
   • A plant whose seeds have been used as an adulterant for coffee: Historically, the seeds of this plant have been mixed with or used as a substitute for coffee beans.
   • A plant sometimes classified in the genus Cassia: In some botanical classifications, this plant is placed within the genus Cassia, though it is more commonly known as Senna.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The field was overrun with coffee senna, which emitted a strong smell.
  • In the 19th century, unscrupulous merchants sometimes used ground coffee senna seeds to stretch their coffee supplies.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier in botanical contexts: The term can be used to specify the plant in scientific or agricultural discussions.
  • The coffee senna infestation has affected the local crop yield.

Variants and Related Words

• Scientific Name: (formerly ).
• Common Names: Stinking weed, septicweed.
• Senna (n): The broader genus of flowering plants to which coffee senna belongs, many of which are used for medicinal purposes, particularly as laxatives.

Synonyms

• Stinking weed: A common name emphasizing its odor.
• Septicweed: Another common name for the same plant.

Related Phrases

• To adulterate coffee with senna seeds: Describes the historical practice of mixing these seeds into coffee.
  • They were accused of adulterating the coffee with senna seeds.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. very leafy malodorous tropical weedy shrub whose seeds have been used as an adulterant for coffee; sometimes classified in genus Cassia