n. [ Sp., fr. native name. ] The dried leaf of a South American shrub (Erythroxylon Coca). In med., called Erythroxylon. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ Coca leaves resemble tea leaves in size, shape, and odor, and are chewed (with an alkali) by natives of Peru and Bolivia to impart vigor in prolonged exertion, or to sustain strength in absence of food. [ 1913 Webster ]
Mexican coca,
n. [ F. cocagne, pays de cocagne; of uncertian origin, cf. Prov. F. couque cake, Catal. coca, L. coquere to cook; as if the houses in this country were covered with cakes. Cf. Cook, Cockney. ]
n. (Chem.) A powerful narcotic alkaloid,
n. (Med.) A morbid condition produced by the habitual and excessive use of cocaine. --
v. t. To treat or anæsthetize with cocaine. --