Kola
/ˈkoʊ.lə/noun
A tropical African tree, or its caffeine-rich nut, especially the nut traditionally used to flavor cola drinks.
Did you know?Kola nuts have long been exchanged in West African social and ceremonial contexts, while their caffeine made them valuable as a natural stimulant.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-18th Century
West African languages
kola
“A name for the kola tree or its nut; the precise immediate source language is uncertain.”
17th Century
European travel writing
cola
“European forms began recording the West African nut and tree under variant spellings.”
1727
English
kola
“English records attest the word for the African tree or its nut.”
19th Century
English
kola nut
“The caffeine-containing seed became known in English commerce and botanical writing.”
Modern English
English
kola
“The tree or nut, particularly as a source of flavoring and caffeine in cola beverages.”