THEOBROMA Meaning and
Definition
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Theobroma refers to a genus of evergreen trees native to South America, belonging to the family Malvaceae. The name Theobroma is derived from the Greek words “theos” meaning god and “broma” meaning food, which translates to "food of the gods." This term is commonly used in the context of the Theobroma cacao species, known as the cacao tree, which is highly regarded for producing the cocoa beans used to make chocolate.
Theobroma trees typically grow in tropical regions and can reach heights of up to 20 meters. They have shiny, leathery leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers that bloom directly on the trunk or branches. The fruit of the Theobroma tree is a large, ovoid or ellipsoid pod measuring around 15 to 30 centimeters in length. These pods contain numerous seeds surrounded by a sweet, pulp-like substance that is highly esteemed for its flavor and aroma.
Theobroma, particularly the cacao tree, has a significant cultural and economic importance. The seeds of the cacao tree are processed to extract cocoa butter and cocoa powder, widely used in the production of chocolate confectionery, beverages, and cosmetics. Theobroma-based products are consumed worldwide and have become integral to various cuisines and cultural practices.
Beyond its utilitarian value, Theobroma holds a symbolic meaning in several indigenous cultures, where it is associated with fertility, abundance, and spiritual rituals. The term Theobroma is emblematic of the reverence and significance bestowed upon these trees and their fruits by people across generations and continents.
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Cacao (incorrectly cocoa), the dried ripe seed of Theobroma cacao, the chocolate-tree, a tall bush or low tree extensively cultivated in the tropics; it yields chocolate and "cocoa," used as beverages, and a fat, oleum theobromatis, employed in the making of suppositories and for other pharmaceutical purposes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In bot., a genus of plants producing the cacao or chocolate-nut.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for THEOBROMA
- rheobroma
- fheobroma
- gheobroma
- yheobroma
- 6heobroma
- 5heobroma
- tgeobroma
- tbeobroma
- tneobroma
- tjeobroma
- tueobroma
- tyeobroma
- thwobroma
- thsobroma
- thdobroma
- throbroma
- th4obroma
- th3obroma
- theibroma
Etymology of THEOBROMA
The word "theobroma" derives from the Greek language. It is a compound word consisting of "theo", which means "god", and "broma", which means "food" or "nourishment". When combined, "theobroma" can be translated as "food of the gods" or "divine nourishment". The term was originally used to refer to the cacao tree and its products, which were highly valued and believed to have divine properties by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Mayans and Aztecs. Today, "theobroma" is most commonly associated with the scientific name of the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, from which chocolate is derived.
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