maca

plural macas

1. countableuncountableAny member of the species Lepidium meyenii, an Andean medicinal herb, or an extract of the root of this plant.

   Dried macas are cooked in water or milk and used to prepare a kind of sweet and aromatic porridge, mazamorra. The small macas are preferred, since they are less fibrous.

   2014, T. K. Lim, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants, volume 9, page 802

   2 more examples

   The overwhelming majority of maca roots are dried after harvest. In the cold, dry atmosphere of the puna the dried roots remain edible for several years. A minor proportion of the freshly harvested roots are roasted in huatias, earthen ovens […]

   2009, M. Hermann, T. Bernet, The transition of maca from neglect to market prominence, page 18

   The gap between what the Internet promises and what it delivers is part of the reason that people[…] continue to turn to enhancers from caffeine to maca to virtual reality.

   2007 March 18, G. Pascal Zachary, “Is the Key to Creativity in Your Pillbox, or in Your PC?”, in New York Times

   Synonyms: Peruvian ginseng

1. UKabbreviationacronymuncountableAcronym of Military aid to the civil authorities.