catnip

[kat-nip]

catnip Definition

• 1. a plant of the mint family, Nepeta cataria, having egg-shaped leaves containing aromatic oils that are attractive to cats and can cause temporary euphoria or sedation when inhaled or ingested
• 2. a herb used in herbal medicine for its calming effects on humans

Using catnip: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "catnip" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The cat went crazy over the catnip.

• Example

  The catnip plant is often used in herbal remedies.

• Example

  The catnip toy was a hit with my cat.

catnip Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for catnip

• catmint
• nepeta

Phrases with catnip

• nip in the bud

  to stop something at an early stage

  Example

  I caught the mistake early and nipped it in the bud.

• nip something in the bud

  to stop something before it becomes too big or serious

  Example

  We need to nip this problem in the bud before it gets out of hand.

• nip and tuck

  very close or even; neck and neck

  Example

  It's a nip and tuck race between the two runners.

Origins of catnip

from Middle English 'catnepe', from Old English 'cattesnepe', meaning 'cat mint'

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Summary: catnip in Brief

'Catnip' [kat-nip] refers to a plant of the mint family, Nepeta cataria, that contains aromatic oils which are attractive to cats and can cause temporary euphoria or sedation when inhaled or ingested. It is also used in herbal medicine for its calming effects on humans. The phrase 'nip in the bud' means to stop something at an early stage.