Kava \Ka"va\, n. [Polynesian.] (Bot.)
A species of {Macropiper} ({Macropiper methysticum}), the
long pepper, from the root of which an intoxicating beverage
is made by the Polynesians, by a process of mastication;
also, the beverage itself. [Written also {kawa}, {kava}, and
{ava}.]
[1913 Webster]