peyote
UK[peɪˈəʊti]US[peɪˈoʊti]
n
a small, spineless cactus native to mexico and the southwestern us, containing psychoactive alkaloids.
n
the dried button-like tops of this cactus, used as a hallucinogenic drug in religious rituals and recreationally.
Etymology
the word 'peyote' entered english in the 19th century via mexican spanish, originating from the nahuatl term 'peyotl'. in nahuatl, 'peyotl' referred to a 'caterpillar cocoon', a name likely inspired by the plant's woolly appearance which resembles the silk of a cocoon. this indigenous name was adopted by spanish colonizers and subsequently by english speakers to denote the cactus itself. the journey from a descriptive term for a natural object in an indigenous language to its specific modern meaning as a psychoactive plant highlights the cultural transmission and semantic narrowing that often occurs with loanwords.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from mexican spanish, which in turn borrowed it from the nahuatl word 'peyotl', meaning 'caterpillar cocoon' or 'glistening'. its structure is not analyzable into meaningful english or classical morphemes.
Examples
the shaman prepared the peyote for the ceremonial tea.
peyote has been used for centuries in indigenous religious practices.
the possession and use of peyote is regulated by law in many countries.