stevia

noun

ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə 

-vyə

1

: any of a genus (Stevia) of composite herbs and shrubs of tropical and subtropical America

especially : a white-flowered tender perennial (S. rebaudiana) native to Paraguay

2

: a white powder composed of one or more intensely sweet glycosides derived from the leaves of a stevia (S. rebaudiana) and used as noncaloric sweetener

Examples of stevia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite being sweetened with a mix of erythritol and stevia, the chocolatey flavor was not marred by any unpleasant aftertaste. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 20 June 2024

Opt for Calorie-Free Sweeteners As a substitute for sugary toppings, like maple syrup, Barron recommended using a calorie-free sweetener—like stevia—if your goal is to reduce the calories of your cottage cheese bowl. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 11 June 2024

There is little research on the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners, such as stevia, in children. —Willow Jarosh, Ms, Parents, 11 June 2024

It is flavored with cocoa powder and natural flavorings and sweetened with stevia. —Caroline Thomason, Health, 4 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Petrus Jacobus Stevus (Pedro Jaime Esteve) †1555 Spanish physician and botanist

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

stevia

noun

ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə 

: a South American perennial shrub (Stevia rebaudiana) of the composite family

also : a very sweet noncaloric glycoside-containing substance that is obtained from the leaves of the stevia