QAT

kaht

Noun3 lettersValid in our Scrabble word list
Unscramble QAT

Quick definition

QAT An evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, whose leaves are chewed as a mild stimulant.

Is QAT a valid Scrabble word?

Yes. QAT is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 12 points in Scrabble, 12 in Words With Friends and 12 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.

LetterQATTotal
Scrabble101112
Words With Friends101112
Wordfeud101112

Definition and meaning

Qat (also spelled khat, kat, or gat) is an evergreen shrub native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its leaves contain cathinone, a mild stimulant that produces effects similar to amphetamines when chewed fresh.

The practice of chewing qat leaves has deep cultural roots in Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, where it's often consumed socially, similar to coffee or tea in other cultures. Users typically chew the leaves for several hours, experiencing mild euphoria and alertness.

In Scrabble, QAT is a crucial 3-letter word allowing Q to be played without U. Along with QI, it's one of the most important Q words for players to memorize, offering flexibility in tight board situations.

QAT in a sentence

  • In Yemen, afternoon qat chewing sessions are important social gatherings for discussing business and politics.
  • The Scrabble player used QAT to get rid of the Q without needing a U tile.
  • Fresh qat leaves must be consumed within 48 hours of harvesting to maintain their potency.

Synonyms

  • KHATAlternative spelling
  • KATAnother spelling
  • GATEthiopian spelling
  • MIRAAKenyan name
  • MUGUKAKenyan variant

Antonyms

  • DEPRESSANTOpposite effect
  • SEDATIVECalming substance
  • NARCOTICSleep-inducing drug

Word forms

  • Plural Form: qats

Origin

The word 'qat' comes from Arabic 'qāt' (قات), which has been used for centuries in the Arabian Peninsula. The plant's scientific name is Catha edulis. Alternative spellings reflect different transliteration systems from Arabic. The practice of chewing qat likely originated in Ethiopia and spread to Yemen, becoming deeply embedded in Yemeni culture by the 15th century.

Anagrams, hooks and words inside QAT

Anagrams: no other word uses exactly the letters of QAT.

Hooks: no front hooks; back QATS.

Words inside QAT: 2 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: ATTA. See all words from QAT.

Related words

Did you know?

  • In Yemen, up to 90% of adult males chew qat regularly, and it consumes about 40% of the country's water supply.
  • Qat must be transported and consumed fresh - Ethiopian Airlines makes significant revenue from qat shipments.
  • The WHO classifies qat as a 'drug of abuse' but notes its social importance in certain cultures.

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