stevia

noun

ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə How to pronounce stevia (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Monk fruit and stevia contain different plant compounds. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 15 May 2025 There’s a light sweetness thanks to the touch of stevia, with natural sweetener from fruit and vanilla. Maggie Slepian, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2025 There’s even stevia extract, which some studies suggest creates a retinol-like effect, to help improve collagen production. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2025 Despite a small amount of coconut sugar and stevia in the mix, this was the most bitter of the bunch. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stevia

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of stevia was in 1806

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Cite this Entry

“Stevia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stevia. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

stevia

noun
ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə How to pronounce stevia (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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