noun
also ya·pon ˈyüˌpän, ˈyȯˌp- ; or ya·pa -pä, -pȧ ; or you·pon ˈyüˌpän
( -s )
Etymology: Catawba yopún, diminutive of yop tree, shrub
: any of several shrubs or trees of the genus Ilex ; especially : a holly ( I. vomitoria ) of the southern United States with smooth elliptical leaves used as a substitute for tea and especially formerly in the black drink of the Indians