khat

/ kɑːt; kæt /

noun

1. a white-flowered evergreen shrub, Catha edulis, of Africa and Arabia, whose leaves have narcotic properties
2. the leaves of this shrub, chewed or prepared as a drink

Word History and Origins

Origin of khat¹

C19: from Arabic qāt

Example Sentences

Kenya's President William Ruto has reversed a contentious ban imposed in parts of the country on muguka, a variety of the popular stimulant known as khat or miraa.

From BBC

The chemical name for the substance is N,N-Dimethylpentylone hydrochloride, an analogue for the naturally occurring chemical cathinone found in the khat plant.

From Washington Times

Though some question why the narcotic leaf khat is not on his agenda, given its massive popularity.

From BBC

After fresh khat shipments arrive in Mogadishu by plane each day, many men go to chew the leaf for hours - it acts as a mild stimulant, making chewers initially talkative and social.

From BBC

"They control our lives. We spend all our money on khat instead of our families, which are lost to us."

From BBC