kat
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A shrub (Catha edulis) native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula: A plant whose leaves contain stimulant compounds. 2. The leaves of this shrub, used as a stimulant: The fresh leaves and shoots are chewed, brewed as tea, or sometimes smoked for their psychoactive effects, which can include increased energy, alertness, and euphoria.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Farmers in the region cultivate kat for local consumption and trade.
- The stimulant effect of kat comes from the alkaloids cathinone and cathine.
- Chewing kat is a deeply rooted social tradition in some cultures.
Advanced Usage
- "Under the influence of kat": Describing the state of experiencing the effects of the substance.
- The meeting was delayed because several participants were under the influence of kat.
Variants and Related Words
- Khat: The most common alternate spelling of the word.
- Qat: Another common alternate spelling.
- Catha edulis: The botanical (Latin) name for the plant species.
- Miraa: A common name for the plant, particularly in Kenya.
Synonyms
- Stimulant: A substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.
- Psychoactive plant: A plant that contains chemicals that affect brain function and alter perception, mood, or consciousness.
Notes on Meaning
The word kat refers specifically to the plant and its leaves as a substance of use. Its primary meaning is not a common object, animal, or action, but a botanical substance with significant cultural and pharmacological context. Its use and legality vary greatly by country.
Noun
- the leaves of the shrub Catha edulis which are chewed like tobacco or used to make tea; has the effect of a euphoric stimulant
- in Yemen kat is used daily by 85% of adults