kava

4 9.9

A mild drink made from the roots of a South Pacific plant that makes you feel relaxed

noun
/ˈkɑːvə/

: kava

In an earlier publication (Turner 1986), I adopted an interpretive approach in analyzing the ritual use of kava (Piper methysticum) in Fiji and Western Polynesia.
kava root
kava drink

Would you mind elaborating on Kava?

Examples

Because it contains kava-lactones that promote muscle relaxation and relieve anxiety, kava may also enhance pain management.

Academic text (2003)
As a nonalcoholic drink, kava kava has been a traditional social and ceremonial adjunct throughout the Pacific Islands for centuries (Norton, 1998).

Academic text (2003)
Or a bundle of kava kava root.

Academic text (2007)
Oh, and can you get some kava from Uncle Pese on the way home?

Next Goal Wins (2023)
I also took a spoonful of kava powder today before I went to work.

Blog text (34)
After the flag went up, followers presented Nampas with a ceremonial kava root to mark his leadership of the movement and to symbolically repay the years of imprisonment and exile he suffered in its cause.

Academic text (1990)
Kava is a traditional kava consumed in the South Pacific, known for its calming effects.
Many people enjoy kava for its soothing properties after a long day.
In Fiji, it is customary to share kava during ceremonies to promote social connections.

Synonyms

kavakava

vskava

9.9

An alcoholic drink made from roots of a South Pacific plant that can make your mouth feel numb during ceremonies

is mildly intoxicating for traditional ceremonial drinking rather than being alcoholic

How Intoxicating

spirits

17 3.0

wine

∞ 1.0

beer

∞ 1.0

kava

4 9.9

herbal tea

19 1.3

Surface Forms

kava singular

kavas plural

Etymology

Kava comes from the languages of the South Pacific, where the same word kava or awa names both the plant and the drink. Imagine people sitting in a circle sharing a 'root' brew to relax, and that image explains why kava means this traditional, slightly 'bitter' relaxing drink.