noun

ayahuasca

eye-uh-WAHS-kuh

Ayahuasca (noun) means a South American vine used to make a traditional psychoactive brew, or the brew itself. Example: “Shamans in the Amazon have used ayahuasca in healing ceremonies for generations.”

noun

A South American vine used to make a traditional psychoactive brew, or the brew itself.

"Shamans in the Amazon have used ayahuasca in healing ceremonies for generations."

"Tourists increasingly travel to Peru to try ayahuasca retreats."

How to Use Ayahuasca

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hallucinogenic plant brew from the Amazon, traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies.

Common pairings

ayahuasca ceremony drink ayahuasca ayahuasca retreat

Word Forms

ayahuascas plural

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Fill the Gap

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Shamans in the Amazon have used _____ in healing ceremonies for generations.

Etymology

From Quechua ayawaska, combining aya ("spirit" or "ancestor") and waska ("vine") — literally "vine of the spirits".

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “ayahuasca” mean?

The word “ayahuasca” means a South American vine used to make a traditional psychoactive brew, or the brew itself. In plain terms, a hallucinogenic plant brew from the Amazon, traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies.

How do you pronounce “ayahuasca”?

“Ayahuasca” is pronounced eye-uh-WAHS-kuh (/ˌaɪəˈwɑːskə/ in IPA).

How do you use “ayahuasca” in a sentence?

Here is “ayahuasca” used in a sentence: “Shamans in the Amazon have used ayahuasca in healing ceremonies for generations.”

What part of speech is “ayahuasca”?

“Ayahuasca” is a noun.