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

Under this new ordinance, selling kratom in Castle Rock could lead to a fine of up to $2,650, and up to a year in jail. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Concentrated or synthetic kratom products containing an opioid, 7-OH, can pose great risks and are available at smoke and vape shops, convenience stores, gas stations and online. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026

That could be changing, though, as state lawmakers move to ban kratom and synthetic versions of it, a Washington Post analysis of state legislation found. — Chris Hacker, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026

The substances aren’t natural kratom — as was suspected due to earlier law enforcement reports — which is an herb from the leaves of the tropical tree Mitragyna speciosa native to Southeast Asia. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026

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