ma·té (mä t , mä-t )n. 1. A South American evergreen tree (Ilex paraguariensis) widely cultivated for its leaves, which are used to prepare a tealike beverage. 2. A tealike beverage, popular in South America, made from the dried leaves of this plant. Also called Paraguay tea, yerba maté. [American Spanish, from Quechua mate, hollow gourd used as a bowl or container for brewing yerba maté.] |
maté, mate [ˈmɑːteɪ ˈmæteɪ]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) an evergreen tree, Ilex paraguariensis, cultivated in South America for its leaves, which contain caffeine: family Aquifoliaceae
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a stimulating milky beverage made from the dried leaves of this tree Also called Paraguay tea yerba yerba maté
[from American Spanish (originally referring to the vessel in which the drink was brewed), from Quechua máti gourd]
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