kratom

noun

kra·​tom ˈkrā-təm  ˈkra- 

1

: a psychoactive preparation that is composed of the crushed or powdered dried leaves of a yellow-flowered tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa of the family Rubiaceae) of southeastern Asia and that is smoked or ingested orally (as in tea or capsules)

Note: Kratom contains the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine which produce stimulatory effects at low doses and sedative and analgesic effects at high doses.

At lower dosages, kratom is a mood enhancer … . But at higher levels, it functions as a mini-opioid, causing drowsiness, calmness, and a level of euphoria.

—Peninsula Daily News (Port Angeles, Washington)

Information and data on the positive and negative effects of kratom are limited, and because of this, health officials have voiced concerns that it is largely unregulated.

—Bryce Dole

Traditional medicine utilizes kratom to deal with muscle pain, depression, fatigue, and other physical and mental health problems.

—Rishi Madan

The Food and Drug Administration does not view kratom as safe and has repeatedly warned against use of the substance, which has been marketed for pain relief, depression and anxiety.

—Blair Emerson

2

: the tree or leaves from which kratom is derived

As a society, we're now using other medications to control pain, while actively searching for more. Some consider kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a tree native to Southeast Asia, to have potential in this respect.

—Robert Ashley

For centuries, kratom has been grown in African and Southeast Asia as an ingredient that locals can use in traditional medicine.

—The Daily Herald (Everett, Washington)

Examples of kratom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sometimes, people taking kratom develop gray-blue hyperpigmentation in areas that are exposed to the sun. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Feb. 2025

Restrictions have also often included the ban of the herbal stimulant kratom. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025

In 2023, kratom was detected in 41 drug overdoses in Colorado, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —John Frank, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025

High-potency kratom should pack a punch every time, not just occasionally. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Thai krathɔ̂:m

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for kratom

• atom
• datum
• stratum
• erratum
• striatum
• substratum
• heteroatom
• petrolatum

Medical Definition

kratom

noun

kra·​tom ˈkrāt-əm  ˈkrat- 

1

: a psychoactive preparation that is composed of the crushed or powdered dried leaves of a yellow-flowered tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa of the family Rubiaceae) of southeastern Asia and that is smoked or ingested orally (as in tea or capsules)

Note: Kratom contains the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine which produce stimulatory effects at low doses and sedative and analgesic effects at high doses.

In folk medicine, kratom has been used for its reported analgesic and euphoric effects, as well as for intestinal infections, diarrhea, and cough.

—Marc T. Swogger et al., Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

… there has been an increase in reported adverse effects associated with kratom, which prompted the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to consider classifying kratom as a Schedule I drug, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to warn consumers against its use.

—Sara Post et al., Clinical Toxicology

2

: the tree or leaves from which kratom is derived

Growing approximately 15 m tall, the kratom tree possesses relatively large, broad, glossy leaves that are oval shaped and dark green in color.

—Marcus L. Warner et al., International Journal of Legal Medicine