cacao

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

noun

, plural ca·ca·os.

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. cacao bean
   another name for cocoa bean
3. cacao butter
   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

In moderation, dark chocolate with at least 80% to 85% cacao may even benefit your gut microbiome and mood by encouraging beneficial bacterial species to grow.

From Salon

But the vaccines are expensive, especially for low-wage farmers, and vaccinated trees produce a smaller harvest of cacao, compounding the devastation of the virus.

From Science Daily

Unlike cacao beans, which are used to create chocolate, carob is naturally sweet and does not contain the stimulants caffeine or theobromine, which may be appealing to some, and unappealing to others.

From Seattle Times

She specifically highlights grapefruit, cacao, cranberries, coffee and more as everyday, commonplace ingredients you can incorporate more into your dishes or diet for both boosts in flavor and health.

From Salon

In fact, chocolate – or more specifically cacao, the raw, unrefined bean – is a medicinal wonder.

From Salon