ayahuasca
|a-ya-huas-ca|
C2
🇺🇸
/ˌaɪəˈwɑːskə/
🇬🇧
/ˌaɪəˈwæskə/
spiritual vine
Etymology
Etymology Information
'ayahuasca' originates from Quechua, specifically the word 'ayawaska,' where 'aya' meant 'spirit' or 'ancestor' and 'waska' meant 'vine.'
Historical Evolution
'ayawaska' transformed into the Spanish word 'ayahuasca,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ayahuasca.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'vine of the spirits,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a psychoactive brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and other ingredients, traditionally used in spiritual and healing ceremonies by indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin.
The shaman prepared ayahuasca for the ceremony.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/05 17:51