Marijuana

Pronunciation

• GenAm IPA: /ËŒmɛɹ‌ɪˈwÉ‘.n‌ə/, /ËŒmæɹ-/, /-ˈhwÉ‘-/
• RP IPA: /ËŒmæɹ‌ɪˈwɑː.n‌ə/

Alternative forms

• marihuana

Origin

From Mexican Spanish marihuana, from mariguan. First attested from 1894 of uncertain origin; possibly from Nahuatl mallihuan ("prisoner").

Alteration by influence of the proper name María Juana ("Mary Jane") is believed to be folk etymology.

Full definition of marijuana

Noun

1. Drug smoked or ingested for euphoric effect, Cannabis (drug).After smoking a bowl of that fine marijuana, they ate some brownies.
2. The hemp plant itself, Cannabis sativa.

Synonyms