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kava

[ kah-vuh ]

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.


kava

/ ˈkɑːvə /

noun

  1. a Polynesian shrub, Piper methysticum: family Piperaceae
  2. a drink prepared from the aromatic roots of this shrub
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Other Words From

  • Ka·va·ic [k, uh, -, vey, -ik], adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of kava1

1810–20; < Polynesian (first recorded from Tonga Islands)
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Word History and Origins

Origin of kava1

C18: from Polynesian (Tongan): bitter
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Example Sentences

As a thank-you, the senior chief anointed me “Mati,” which means “fig,” and presented me with a sacred kava stick, now a favorite treasure.

In a similar vein, kava kava, advertised as a natural anti-anxiety supplement, was taken off the market for causing liver failure.

So home, a little before six, in a dashing squall of rain, to a bowl of kava and dinner.

We were entertained to kava in the guest-house with some very original features.

“Angona” is the same as “kava” in Samoa, and is the national beverage in Fiji.

They were making kava (or ava or yangana), the native drink.

When preparing for war a piece of green kava was bound on either side of the spear-point to strike the enemy with blindness.

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