Collins English-English Dictionary

tea [tiː]

1. 1. n an evergreen shrub or small tree, Camellia sinensis, of tropical and subtropical Asia, having toothed leathery leaves and white fragrant flowers: family Theaceae

2. 2. n [chiefly Brit] afternoon tea a light meal eaten in mid-afternoon, usually consisting of tea and cakes, biscuits, or sandwiches

3. 3. n the dried shredded leaves of this shrub, used to make a beverage by infusion in boiling water

4. 4. n high tea afternoon tea that also includes a light cooked dish

5. 5. n such a beverage, served hot or iced

6. 6. n (as modifier)

   tea caddy

   tea urn

7. 7. n any of various plants that are similar to Camellia sinensis or are used to make a tealike beverage

8. 8. n any such beverage

9. 9. n (as modifier)

   a tea party

10. 10. n [Brit, Austral, and NZ] the main evening meal

11. 11. n [US and Canadian] [dated slang] marijuana

12. 12. n [Etymology] C17: from Chinese (Amoy) t'e, from Ancient Chinese d`a