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Entry 5 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Tea

/(tē)/ · IPA /ti/
01 n. The prepared leaves of a shrub, or small tree (Thea Chinensis [or] Camellia Chinensis). The shrub is a native of China, but has been intro…
  1. 1.
    The prepared leaves of a shrub, or small tree (Thea Chinensis [or] Camellia Chinensis). The shrub is a native of China, but has been introduced to some extent into some other countries.
  2. 2.
    A decoction or infusion of tea leaves in boiling water; as, tea is a common beverage.
  3. 3.
    Any infusion or decoction, especially when made of the dried leaves of plants; as, sage tea; chamomile tea; catnip tea.
  4. 4.
    The evening meal, at which tea is usually served; supper.
Phrases & compounds
Arabian tea — the leaves of Catha edulis; also (Bot.), the plant itself. See Kat.
Assam tea — tea grown in Assam, in India, originally brought there from China about the year 1850.
Australian tea — a woody climbing plant (Smilax glycyphylla).
Brazilian tea — The dried leaves of Lantana pseodothea, used in Brazil as a substitute for tea.
Labrador tea — See under Labrador.
New Jersey tea — an American shrub, the leaves of which were formerly used as a substitute for tea; redroot. See Redroot.
New Zealand tea — See under New Zealand.
Oswego tea — See Oswego tea.
Paraguay tea — mate. See 1st Mate.
Tea board — a board or tray for holding a tea set.
Tea bug — an hemipterous insect which injures the tea plant by sucking the juice of the tender leaves.
Tea caddy — a small box for holding tea.
Tea chest — a small, square wooden case, usually lined with sheet lead or tin, in which tea is imported from China.
Tea clam — a small quahaug.
Tea garden — a public garden where tea and other refreshments are served.
Tea plant — any plant, the leaves of which are used in making a beverage by infusion; specifically, Thea Chinensis, from which the tea of commerce is obtained.
Tea rose — a delicate and graceful variety of the rose (Rosa Indica, var. odorata), introduced from China, and so named from its scent. Many varieties are now cultivated.
Tea service — the appurtenances or utensils required for a tea table, -- when of silver, usually comprising only the teapot, milk pitcher, and sugar dish.
Tea set — a tea service.
Tea table — a table on which tea furniture is set, or at which tea is drunk.
Tea taster — one who tests or ascertains the quality of tea by tasting.
Tea tree — the tea plant of China. See Tea plant, above.
Tea urn — a vessel generally in the form of an urn or vase, for supplying hot water for steeping, or infusing, tea.
02 v. i. To take or drink tea.
  1. 1.
    To take or drink tea.[Colloq.]