Tea is a drink made by soaking dried leaves, usually from the tea plant, in hot water. The word can also refer to the leaves themselves or, in some cultures, to a light meal in the afternoon or evening.
It comes into English from Chinese, likely the Amoy (Southern Min) word 'te' or a related form. Different trade routes carried two main versions of the Chinese name: 'tea' in the West and 'cha' in many other languages.
The global map of the words 'tea' and 'chai' actually traces old trade routes—sea traders spread 'tea', land traders spread 'cha'. One plant species, Camellia sinensis, quietly powers ceremonies in Japan, tea breaks in Britain, and sweet milk tea in many other countries.
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