— tealess , adj.
/tee/ , n.
1. the dried and prepared leaves of a shrub, Camellia sinensis, from which a somewhat bitter, aromatic beverage is prepared by infusion in hot water.
2. the shrub itself, extensively cultivated in China, Japan, India, etc., and having fragrant white flowers. Cf. tea family .
3. the beverage so prepared, served hot or iced.
4. any kind of leaves, flowers, etc., so used, or any plant yielding them.
5. any of various infusions prepared from the leaves, flowers, etc., of other plants, and used as beverages or medicines.
6. See beef bouillon .
7. Brit. any meal, whether a light snack or one consisting of several courses, eaten in the late afternoon or in the evening; any meal other than dinner, eaten after the middle of the afternoon.
8. an afternoon reception at which tea is served.
9. Slang. marijuana.
10. one's cup of tea , something suitable, appropriate, or attractive to one: Horror movies and westerns are just not my cup of tea.
[ 1590-1600; 1940-45 for def. 9; t'e, akin to Chin chá ]