kola nut

noun

1. a brownish seed, about the size of a chestnut, produced by a tropical tree belonging to the genus Cola, containing both caffeine and theobromine: its extract is used in soft drinks.

kola nut

noun

1. a variant spelling of cola nut

Word History and Origins

Origin of kola nut¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

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 don’t come in the jungle often, but...well, I was trying to find kola nuts.”

From Literature

Kola Break During the ceremony, Ms. Goodridge was called to the altar to break a kola nut, a West African tradition.

From New York Times

Depending on where on the globe your ancestors found themselves, they might have enjoyed beverages made from coffee or cacao beans, guarana berries, kola nuts, or tea or yerba mate leaves.

From Scientific American