kratom
Americannoun
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a Southeast Asian evergreen tree (Mitragyna speciosa) of the coffee family, whose leaves contain a psychoactive substance.
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the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, or the psychoactive substance they contain: used in various forms as a mood enhancer, pain reliever, etc., or in higher doses as a sedative with opioid-like effects.
Etymology
Origin of kratom
First recorded in 1920–25; from Thai krathom
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite the state’s actions, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is still considering whether to regulate kratom, or ban it altogether.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026
Last year, California was on its way to having statewide regulation for kratom products.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025
“We are in such early, early days of research” on kratom, she said.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2024
For instance, Haddow said proposed rules related to the ratio of different alkaloids in products would require “highly sensitive scientific equipment” and “a significant number of kratom experts to enforce.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2024
Li said the method's accuracy opens the door for a more efficient discovery process and continued research on the kratom tree.
From Science Daily • Oct. 18, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.