n.1 a a drink made from the roasted and ground beanlike seeds of a tropical shrub. b a cup of this.
2 a any shrub of the genus Coffea, yielding berries containing one or more seeds. b these seeds raw, or roasted and ground.
3 a pale brown colour, of coffee mixed with milk.
Phrases and idioms:
coffee bar a bar or caf{eacute} serving coffee and light refreshments from a counter. coffee bean the beanlike seeds of the coffee shrub. coffee-cup a small cup for serving coffee. coffee-essence a concentrated extract of coffee usu. containing chicory. coffee-house a place serving coffee and other refreshments. coffee-mill a small machine for grinding roasted coffee beans. coffee-morning a morning gathering at which coffee is served, often in aid of charity. coffee nibs coffee beans removed from their shells. coffee-shop a small informal restaurant, esp. in a hotel or department store. coffee-table a small low table. coffee-table book a large lavishly illustrated book.
Etymology: ult. f. Turk. kahveh f. Arab. kahwa, the drink