kratom

American  

[krey-tuhm, krot-uhm] / ˈkreɪ təm, ˈkrɒt əm /

noun

1. a Southeast Asian evergreen tree (Mitragyna speciosa) of the coffee family, whose leaves contain a psychoactive substance.

2. the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, or the psychoactive substance they contain: used in various forms as a mood enhancer, pain reliever, etc., or in higher doses as a sedative with opioid-like effects.

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Etymology

Origin of kratom

First recorded in 1920–25; from Thai krathom

Example Sentences

Public health officials and advocates are divided on kratom.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

The state Legislature is now considering another bill that basically does the same without banning 7-OH — while also limiting the amount of synthetic alkaloids in kratom and 7-OH products sold in the state.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Smith said she had done consulting for the Global Kratom Coalition in the past, but that her research was funded by NIDA, not the coalition or any other groups connected to the kratom industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2024

Li said the method's accuracy opens the door for a more efficient discovery process and continued research on the kratom tree.

From Science Daily • Oct. 18, 2023

In 2020, Torres began to receive targeted ads from Botanic Tonics on social media that marketed Feel Free without any mention of kratom or Feel Free’s potential side effects, he alleges.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2023