kava Hear it!

kava definition

kava (kä′və, -vä′)

noun

  1. a plant (Piper methysticum) of the pepper family, with an aromatic odor: its roots and rhizomes have narcotic properties
  2. an intoxicating drink made from the roots, for use in certain rituals
Also kavakava ka′va·ka′va

Etymology: < Polynesian, prob. Tongan < Proto-Polynesian *kawa

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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