kratom

[krey-tuhm, krot-uhm]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kratom¹

First recorded in 1920–25; from Thai krathom

Example Sentences

Three more deaths in Los Angeles County have been linked to kratom, a compound that is being synthetically reproduced and sold over the counter as a cure-all for a host of ailments, the county Department of Public Health announced on Friday.

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That brings the total number of recent overdose deaths related to kratom in L.A.

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Kratom is an herbal extract derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia, and is commonly sold as a powder or pill — sometimes based on its natural form, and sometimes based on a synthetic version.

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Researchers say there are people in the United States who use kratom to alleviate anxiety and chronic pain or as a remedy for the symptoms associated with quitting opioids.

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Orange County and the cities of Newport Beach, San Diego and Oceanside have all prohibited the sale, distribution or possession of kratom.

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