Cacao
/kəˈkaʊ/noun
The dried and fully fermented seeds of Theobroma cacao, used to make chocolate.
Did you know?The word 'cacao' comes from the Olmec civilization, who believed it was a gift from their gods, often using it in sacred rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Mesoamerican
Olmec
kakaw
“The name for the cacao plant, revered as a divine gift.”
Classic Maya
Mayan
kakaw
“Used in rituals and as currency, symbolizing wealth and power.”
16th Century
Spanish
cacao
“Adopted from indigenous languages, bringing the drink to Europe.”
17th Century
English
cacao
“First recorded in English, referring to the plant and its beans.”
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