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

The council then strengthened the language to prohibit the sale of any kratom to anyone under 21, mirroring similar language recently passed in Kansas City, according to Lee’s Summit Development Services Director Tracy Albers. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026

But as lawmakers debate whether to regulate or ban kratom, public health problems associated with the drug continue to rise. —Andrew Kolodny, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report this week that hospitalizations from a single kratom exposure had jumped 1,200% from 2015, from 43 to 538. —Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026

There is currently no statewide minimum age requirement to buy kratom. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 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