CATNIP

catmint, catnip, Nepeta cataria

(noun) hairy aromatic perennial herb having whorls of small white purple-spotted flowers in a terminal spike; used in the past as a domestic remedy; strongly attractive to cats

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

catnip (countable and uncountable, plural catnips)

Any of the about 250 species of flowering plant of the genus Nepeta, family Lamiaceae, certain of which are said to have medicinal qualities.

Synonyms: catmint, catwort

Nepeta cataria and Nepeta grandiflora (and perhaps other species), which are well-known for causing an apparently harmless pheromone-based intoxication among certain cats.

(figurative) Something that causes excitement or interest.

Anagrams

• pancit

Source: Wiktionary

Cat"nip`, Cat"mint`, n. (Bot.)

Definition: A well-know plant of the genus Nepeta (N. Cataria), somewhat like mint, having a string scent, and sometimes used in medicine. It is so called because cats have a peculiar fondness for it.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition