catnip

Meaning

Noun

• Any of the about 250 species of flowering plant of the genus Nepeta, family Lamiaceae, certain of which are said to have medicinal qualities.
• Nepeta cataria and Nepeta grandiflora (species) (and perhaps other species), which are well-known for causing an apparently harmless pheromone-based intoxication among certain cats.
• Something that causes excitement or interest.

Origin

• Compound of cat + nep, from Old English nepte, from Latin nepeta.