kola

¹

[koh-luh]

noun

1. kola nut.

2. an extract prepared from the kola nut.

3. the tree producing it.

Kola

²

[koh-luh, kaw-luh]

noun

1. Also called Kola Peninsula. a peninsula in the NW Russian Federation in Europe, between the White and Barents seas.

kola

/ ˈkəʊlə /

noun

1. a variant spelling of cola 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of kola¹

First recorded in 1820–40; from Malinke kolo, or Temne kola

Example Sentences

A man has appeared in court after a famous 300-year-old kola tree in southern Ghana was chopped down.

From BBC

The authorities in Ghana have launched a manhunt for the people who cut down a famous 300-year-old kola tree, which was believed to have healing powers.

From BBC

The “cola” in Coca-Cola is actually the kola nut, the seed of the West African tropical evergreen tree Cola acuminata, which looks like a chestnut kissed by someone wearing Barbie-pink lipstick.

From Seattle Times

Made from kola nuts and coca leaves, the drink was advertised as an "ideal brain tonic" in the late 19th century.

From Salon

I wanted coconut drops, a spicy beef patty with coco bread, kola champagne, and some bun and cheese for later.

From Washington Post