coca

noun

co·​ca ˈkō-kə 

1

: any of several South American shrubs (genus Erythroxylon, family Erythroxylaceae)

especially : one (E. coca) that is the primary source of cocaine

2

: dried leaves of a coca (especially Erythroxylon coca) containing alkaloids including cocaine

Examples of coca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hyperinflation ran at more than 2,000%, the Maoist insurgency called Sendero Luminoso, or Shining Path, controlled half the country, Peru had suspended payments on its foreign debt and the country produced more coca, the base material of cocaine, than any other country. —Chris Kraul, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024

According to Rodriguez, Peruvian ancestral spiritual traditions around the fall equinox, known as Killa Raymi, include communal activities, like sharing stories and food, which included corn, potatoes, and coca leaves. —Zayda Rivera, Parents, 2 July 2024

The same pattern has been seen in Peru and Bolivia; globally, coca production has more than doubled since 2014. —The Week Uk, theweek, 22 June 2024

The Wrong Way to Pressure Colombia A recent U.S. statement meant to pressure Colombia to reduce coca cultivation could have undermined Washington's interests in the country. —Christine Balling, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua kuka

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

coca

noun

co·​ca ˈkō-kə 

: a South American shrub with leaves that are the source of cocaine

also : its dried leaves

Medical Definition

coca

noun

co·​ca ˈkō-kə 

1

: any of several South American shrubs (genus Erythroxylon of the family Erythroxylaceae)

especially : one (E. coca) that is the primary source of cocaine

2

: dried leaves of a coca (as Erythroxylon coca) containing alkaloids including cocaine