Pot

Pot is a term with multiple meanings in English. It most commonly refers to a cooking vessel, a plant container, slang for cannabis, and the total amount of money bet in a poker hand.

A cooking pot is a deep, typically round vessel used for cooking on a stove or over a heat source. It is usually made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper, and may be lined with enamel or ceramic. Common features include handles, a lid, and a wide, open mouth for stirring. Uses include boiling, simmering, and making soups, stews, and rice.

A plant pot is a container in which plants are grown. Materials include clay (terracotta), plastic, ceramic; drainage holes are common. Potting soil, potting mix, and pruning are typical aspects of care. Repotting is done when roots outgrow the container.

In informal speech, pot refers to cannabis, a psychoactive drug from Cannabis sativa, indica, or ruderalis. Cannabis is used recreationally and medicinally in many places, with legal status varying widely. Forms include dried flowers, concentrates, edibles. Potential effects include euphoria and altered perception, while risks include memory and coordination impairment, dependence, and other health concerns.

In gambling, the pot is the total amount of money or chips that players wager in a hand, accumulated from bets and raises. The pot is awarded to the winner of the hand. In tournaments and online play, the pot’s size can influence strategy.