tea: Meaning and Definition of

tea

Pronunciation: (tē), [key]
— n.
  1. the dried and prepared leaves of a shrub, Camellia sinensis, from which a somewhat bitter, aromatic beverage is prepared by infusion in hot water.
  2. the shrub itself, extensively cultivated in China, Japan, India, etc., and having fragrant white flowers. Cf.
  3. the beverage so prepared, served hot or iced.
  4. any kind of leaves, flowers, etc., so used, or any plant yielding them.
  5. any of various infusions prepared from the leaves, flowers, etc., of other plants, and used as beverages or medicines.
  6. See
  7. any meal, whether a light snack or one consisting of several courses, eaten in the late afternoon or in the evening; any meal other than dinner, eaten after the middle of the afternoon.
  8. an afternoon reception at which tea is served.
  9. marijuana.
  10. something suitable, appropriate, or attractive to one: Horror movies and westerns are just not my cup of tea.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
  • tea (Thesaurus)