ˈkatˌnip noun
also cat·nep -ˌnep, -_nə̇p
( -s )
Etymology: cat (I) + nip
: a strong-scented herb ( Nepeta cataria ) that has whorls of small dull-white purple-dotted flowers in a terminal spike, was often used in the past as a domestic remedy, and is much relished by cats — called also catmint