Definition

Noun: 1. A stimulant substance: The leaves of the shrub Catha edulis, which are chewed fresh or used to make tea for their stimulating and euphoric effects.

Usage

• Qat is an uncountable noun when referring to the substance in general.
• It is often used in contexts discussing social habits, stimulants, or regional customs, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The chewing of qat is a deeply rooted social tradition in some countries.
  • He spent the afternoon chewing qat and talking with friends.
  • The cultivation of qat is a significant part of the local economy.

Advanced Usage

• "Under the influence of qat": Describing someone experiencing the effects of the substance.
  • The meeting was long and he was under the influence of qat.
• "A session of qat chewing": Referring to the social activity centered around using qat.
  • The business deal was finalized during a qat session.

Variants and Related Words

• Kat: An alternative spelling of the same word.
• Khat: The most common alternative spelling.
• Catha edulis: The botanical name for the evergreen shrub from which qat comes.
• Miraa: Another regional name for the same plant, commonly used in East Africa.

Synonyms

• Stimulant: A substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.
• Euphoriant: A substance that induces feelings of euphoria.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning refers specifically to the leaves of the plant used for their psychoactive effects. It is not a general term for any leaf or tea.
• Its legal status varies significantly by country, being a controlled substance in many nations outside its traditional regions of use.

Noun

1. 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