Kat

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of flowering plant native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula whose leaves are chewed for their mild stimulant effects; a stimulant leaf used socially and culturally in certain regions for its euphoric and energizing properties; refers to both the plant itself and the practice of chewing its leaves to experience mild psychoactive effects
2. An evergreen shrub cultivated mainly for its leaves that release cathinone, a substance that produces stimulation similar to mild amphetamines; commonly consumed by chewing leaves as a traditional habit in some cultures to induce alertness and mild euphoria; designates both the botanical species and the associated chewing custom
3. A plant known for its fresh leaves which are chewed to elevate mood and increase alertness through natural alkaloids; traditionally used in social settings in parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for its stimulating effects; encompasses the botanical entity as well as the cultural practice of leaf chewing for mild stimulation

Etymology: In Arabic, the shrub is called "qat," and that name travelled into English in several spellings, including "khat" and the shorter "kat." The plant, Catha edulis, grows in the highlands of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and English speakers borrowed the name from the Arabic-speaking communities where its leaves have long been chewed. The word therefore names the plant itself rather than the habit. It refers to the fresh leaves and young shoots, which people chew for their mildly stimulating effect, and the plant's name is used throughout the regions where it grows.

Synonyms: khat, qat, chat, catha