kava

American  

[kah-vuh] / ˈkɑ və /

noun

1. a Polynesian shrub, Piper methysticum, of the pepper family, the aromatic roots of which are used to make an intoxicating beverage.

2. the beverage made from these roots.

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kava British  

/ ˈkɑːvə /

noun

1. a Polynesian shrub, Piper methysticum: family Piperaceae

2. a drink prepared from the aromatic roots of this shrub

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Other Word Forms

• Kavaic adjective

Etymology

Origin of kava

1810–20; < Polynesian (first recorded from Tonga Islands)

Example Sentences

In 1915, Hollmann was the acting assistant surgeon at Hawaii’s Leprosy Investigation Station when he was given a copy of Ball’s master’s thesis, a 44-page analysis of the kava plant’s chemical properties.

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2023

Mr Yazbek adds that Kava - a local social drink made from the root or stump of the kava shrub - could be marketed far more widely than it currently is.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2022

I purchase Polynesian kava powder and make a drink the old-fashioned way.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2021

“In areas with tree cover, the kava was saved since the trees created natural windbreaks, branches that fell formed a protective blanket. But where there were no trees the crops were completely uprooted,” he said.

From The Guardian • Feb. 19, 2020

On the return, Suatele and some chiefs were drinking kava in a “big house,” and called them in to join—their only invitation.

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 17 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis