/aɪ.əˈwɑːskə/ or /ˌaɪ.əˈwæskə/ (ay-uh-WASK-uh)

Definitions

1. noun

A plant-based psychedelic drink used by indigenous cultures in South America, particularly the Shipibo people of the Peruvian Amazon, to communicate with spirits and access non-ordinary states of consciousness.

“After a year of studying the Amazonian culture, she decided to try ayahuasca with a shaman to understand the plant’s spiritual significance.”

2. proper noun

The Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the Chacruna leaf (Psychotria viridis) are the primary plants used to make ayahuasca.

“The local market sold ayahuasca, a mixture of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis.”