cocoa

views updated May 29 2018

cocoa Originally known as cacao, introduced into Europe from Mexico by the Spaniards in the early sixteenth century. The powder prepared from the seed embedded in the fruit of the cocoa plant, Theobroma cacao, also a milk drink prepared with cocoa powder. Used to prepare chocolate. Contains the alkaloid theobromine.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

cocoa

views updated May 14 2018

co·coa / ˈkōkō/ • n. a chocolate powder made from roasted and ground cacao seeds. ∎ a hot drink made from such a powder mixed with sugar and milk or water.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

cocoa

views updated May 09 2018

cocoa Drink obtained from the seeds of the tropical American evergreen tree Theobroma cacao. The seeds are crushed and some fatty substances are removed to produce cocoa powder. Cocoa is the basic ingredient of chocolate. The Ivory Coast is the world's largest producer. Family Sterculiaceae.

World Encyclopedia

cocoa

views updated May 11 2018

cocoa 2 †seed of a tropical American tree; powder produced by grinding the seed, and beverage made from this. XVIII. Alteration of CACAO (also †cacoa). Cf. CHOCOLATE.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD