awa

Definition

Kava, specifically Piper methysticum.

Etymology

From Hawaiian ʻawa.

Example Sentences

• "The manner of preparing awa is peculiarly disgusting. The root is chewed by women, and the spit out well-chewed mouthfuls into a calabash."
• "The awa plant is a species of pepper, the piper methysticum of the botanist, and is described as having fleshy stems from two to three feet high."
• "The majority say that there is little awa growing wild on Government lands, the bulk of that at present in the market being obtained from cultivated patches."