kava

plural kavas · alternative ava · alternative kawa · alternative ʻawa · alternative yava

1. countableuncountableAny member of the species Piper methysticum, a plant from the South Pacific.
2. countableuncountableAn intoxicating beverage made from the kava plant.

   The roots produce a liqueur called kava. Kava has a mild aphrodisiac effect.

   1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 132

   1 more example

   The Nationals MP suffered the consequences of drinking an entire shell of sakau – a traditional Micronesian kava with sedative qualities made from the root of the pepper plant – in one hit, thinking it was similar to South Pacific kava. […] While not alcoholic, sakau – like other kavas served throughout the Pacific region – is known for its narcotic sedative effect.

   2022 December 16, Amy Remeikis, “‘I went cross-eyed’: Australia’s former deputy PM taken to hospital after drinking entire bowl of kava”, in The Guardian

plural Kavas

1. A surname.