An evergreen shrub (Catha edulis) native to tropical East Africa, having dark green opposite leaves that are chewed fresh for their stimulating effects.
A tealike beverage prepared from the leaves of this plant.
Main Entry: khat Variants: alsokatorqatorquat/'kät/ Function: noun : a shrub (Cathaedulis) cultivated in the Middle East and Africa for its leaves and buds that are the source of an habituating stimulant when chewed or used as a tea