Definition

Noun: 1. The dried, disc-shaped crown (or "button") of the peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii): This is the primary and most specific meaning. It refers to the part of the cactus that is harvested, dried, and traditionally used. 2. A source of the psychoactive compound mescaline: The mescal button contains mescaline, a hallucinogenic substance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In some Native American religious ceremonies, participants ingest the mescal button.
  • The anthropologist studied the traditional preparation of the mescal button.
  • The mescal button is known for its psychoactive properties.

Advanced Usage

• The term is highly specific to ethnobotany, anthropology, and discussions on psychoactive substances. It is not used in everyday conversation.
• It is often used in historical or cultural contexts describing traditional indigenous practices of North America.

Variants and Related Words

• Peyote (n): The more common name for the cactus () itself, or for the preparation made from it. "Mescal button" is a part of the peyote cactus.
• Mescaline (n): The primary psychoactive alkaloid found in the mescal button.
• San Pedro cactus (n): A different cactus () that also contains mescaline.

Synonyms

• Peyote button: A direct synonym.
• Hikuli: A traditional name used by some indigenous groups.

Important Notes

• Not "Mescal": In this specific term, "mescal" refers to the peyote cactus, not to the alcoholic beverage (mezcal) distilled from agave plants. This is a common point of confusion.
• Legal Status: The possession and use of mescal buttons (peyote) are restricted or illegal in many countries, often with specific exemptions for recognized religious use.

Noun

1. the button-shaped top of the mescal cactus; a source of psilocybin