<p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>the dried and prepared leaves of a shrub, <em>Camellia sinensis</em>, from which a somewhat bitter, aromatic beverage is prepared by infusion in hot water.</li><li>the shrub itself, extensively cultivated in China, Japan, India, etc., and having fragrant white flowers.</li><li>the beverage so prepared, served hot or iced.</li><li>any kind of leaves, flowers, etc., so used, or any plant yielding them.</li><li>any of various infusions prepared from the leaves, flowers, etc., of other plants, and used as beverages or medicines.</li><li>beef bouillon.</li><li>British: any meal, whether a light snack or one consisting of several courses, eaten in the late afternoon or in the evening; any meal other than dinner, eaten after the middle of the afternoon.</li><li>an afternoon reception at which tea is served.</li><li>slang: marijuana.</li><li>slang: interesting or confidential information; gossip; news: I hear you were talking to Sandy yesterday—what’s the tea?</li></ul>