【英语时差8,16】猫薄荷是什么？（上）

It induces euphoria, and excites the sexual regions of the brain. It is quite possibly hallucinogenic. It leads to strange, unpredictable, and unproductive behavior in those who use it. What’s more, it grows wild, much as a weed. Is this the latest menace to society? No, it’s catnip! The catnip plant is actually an herb, and a relatively¹ common member of the mint family. If kitties ever decided² to have a war on drugs, catnip would be outlawed³ because of a chemical called “nepetalactone.”

1 relatively   

adv.比较...地，相对地

参考例句：

• The rabbit is a relatively recent introduction in Australia.兔子是相对较新引入澳大利亚的物种。
• The operation was relatively painless.手术相对来说不痛。

2 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

3 outlawed   

宣布…为不合法（outlaw的过去式与过去分词形式）

参考例句：

• Most states have outlawed the use of marijuana. 大多数州都宣布使用大麻为非法行为。
• I hope the sale of tobacco will be outlawed someday. 我希望有朝一日烟草制品会禁止销售。