cacao

American  

[kuh-kah-oh, -key-oh] / kəˈkɑ oʊ, -ˈkeɪ oʊ /

noun

plural

cacaos

1. a small tropical American evergreen tree, Theobroma cacao, cultivated for its seeds, the source of cocoa, chocolate, etc.

2. Also the fruit or seeds of this tree.

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cacao British  

/ kəˈkɑːəʊ, -ˈkeɪəʊ /

noun

1. a small tropical American evergreen tree, Theobroma cacao, having yellowish flowers and reddish-brown seed pods from which cocoa and chocolate are prepared: family Sterculiaceae

2. another name for cocoa bean

3. another name for cocoa butter

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Etymology

Origin of cacao

First recorded in 1545–55; from Spanish, from Nahuatl cacahuatl “cacao seeds”

Example Sentences

Across Central America, Indigenous and local communities are working to restore damaged lands, prevent forest fires, and revive traditional, bird-friendly livelihoods such as sustainable allspice and cacao production.

From Science Daily

Severe weather is also contributing to high prices for coffee and cacao, senior administration officials said.

From BBC

A new study in Environmental Research Letters finds that even the most advanced climate intervention methods may not be able to protect wine grapes, coffee, and cacao from a changing planet.

From Science Daily

But, as cacao plantations spread, the country has over the last six decades lost 90 percent of its forests, according to a 2021 survey.

From Barron's

“We recognized the incredible potential of Thai cacao and the burgeoning community of passionate makers.”

From Salon