Marijuana
/ˌmærɪˈwɑːnə/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA drug made from the dried leaves and flowers of cannabis.
Extra definitions
nounThe dried cannabis plant used as a drug.
nounA preparation made from cannabis.
nounA psychoactive substance from cannabis.
Sentence Examples
Some countries regulate marijuana sales.
The study examined medical marijuana use.
Marijuana remains illegal in several regions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
None
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Mexican Spanish marihuana, from mariguana. First attested in 1874 in the publications of Hubert Howe Bancroft. Altered by influence of a folk etymology involving the proper name María Juana (“Mary Jane”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
“You could smell tea, weed, I mean marijuana, floating in the air, together with the chili beans and beer.”
— 1957, Jack Kerouac, chapter 13, in On the Road, Viking Press, →OCLC, part 1:
“Exactly. Marijuana is something we just all gradually decided is okay, like Mark Wahlberg as a serious actor. “You know what? Sure, I’ve decided I’m fine with that.””
— 2017 April 2, “Marijuana”, in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 4, episode 7, John Oliver (actor), via HBO:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Some countries regulate ____ sales.