catnep

Noun

catnip (countable and uncountable, plural catnips)

1. Any of the about 250 species of flowering plant of the genus Nepeta, family Lamiaceae, certain of which are said to have medicinal qualities.
   • Heavy mulching should help with winter survival of hardy, fragrant leaved perennials like lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), catnip (Nepeta mussini), sage (Salvia officinalis), mint, oregano (Origanum vulgare) and thyme (Thymus species).1991 August 4, Linda Yang, “Garden Q. & A.”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 25 May 2015

   Synonyms:

   catmint, catwort

   1. Nepeta cataria and Nepeta grandiflora (and perhaps other species), which are well-known for causing an apparently harmless pheromone-based intoxication among certain cats.
      • Some cats go bonkers over catnip; others ignore it.
2. (figuratively) Something that causes excitement or interest.
   • Near-synonym: crack

   Synonyms:

   crack