mate

Mate refers to several related terms. The most widely known is yerba mate, a caffeinated infusion made from the dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a plant native to South America. The word mate also appears in English as a term for a close companion, and in chess as shorthand for checkmate.

Yerba mate is traditional in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Leaves are harvested, dried, and cut, then steeped in hot water to produce a brisk, somewhat bitter infusion. The beverage is typically served in a hollow gourd called a mate and drunk through a metal straw called a bombilla. A cebador or host often prepares and refills the gourd in rounds, a social ritual that emphasizes sharing.

Regional variants include tereré, the cold-water version popular in Paraguay and parts of Brazil; and chimarrão, the Brazilian form in the south, which uses a coarser leaf cut and is usually consumed with hot water.

Health and nutrition: Yerba mate contains caffeine and polyphenols, delivering stimulant effects similar to tea or coffee. It provides antioxidants and some vitamins, but may cause insomnia, restlessness, or palpitations in sensitive individuals. Pregnant individuals and those with certain medical conditions should consult a clinician before regular use.

In English, mate can also mean a friend or companion, while in chess the term mate denotes the game-ending checkmate position. The word is used in various languages with related meanings tied to social sharing, competition, or companionship.