cacao

[kuh-kah-oh, -key-oh]

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.

cacao

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cacao¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cacao¹

C16: from Spanish, from Nahuatl cacauatl cacao beans

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.

Read more on Science Daily

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

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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.

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It is the world's leading producer of cacao, the raw material for cocoa; also produces cashew nuts, and has a thriving oil industry.

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The ship's hold is full of sacks and the 15 sailors unload the 64 tonnes of olive oil, coffee, cacao, and rum brought from the Caribbean.

Read more on BBC