/kar"euhb/ , n.
1. a Mediterranean tree, Ceratonia siliqua, of the legume family, bearing long, leathery pods containing hard seeds and sweet, edible pulp.
2. Also called St. John's-bread, algarroba, locust bean. the pod of this tree, the source of various foodstuffs, including a substitute for chocolate, as well as substances having several industrial uses, and sometimes used as food for animals.
3. a powder made from the ground pods and seeds of this tree and used in cooking, esp. as a substitute for chocolate.
[ 1540-50; carobe carrubium kharrub bean-pods, carobs ]