■ noun
1》 a hot drink made by infusing the dried, crushed leaves of the ~ plant in boiling water.
↘the dried leaves used to make ~.
↘a similar drink made from the leaves, fruits, or flowers of other plants.
2》 the evergreen shrub or small tree which produces ~ leaves, native to south and east Asia. [ Camellia sinensis .]
3》 chiefly Brit. a light afternoon meal consisting of sandwiches, cakes, etc., with ~ to drink.
↘ Brit. a cooked evening meal.
Origin
C17: prob. via Malay from Chin. (Min dialect) te , related to Mandarin chá ; cf. char 3 .