guarana: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Commercial
Quick answer
What does “guarana” mean?
A climbing plant native to the Amazon basin, whose seeds are used to make a stimulant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A climbing plant native to the Amazon basin, whose seeds are used to make a stimulant.
A paste, powder, or extract made from the seeds of the guarana plant, used as a stimulant and flavoring in beverages, energy drinks, and supplements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is a direct borrowing.
Connotations
Associated with health foods, energy supplements, and natural stimulants in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to a larger market for energy drinks and dietary supplements.
Grammar
How to Use “guarana” in a Sentence
N (as a mass noun)N of N (extract of guarana)N with N (drink with guarana)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guarana” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- This is a guarana-based energy shot.
American English
- Look for a drink with guarana extract.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the marketing and labelling of food, beverage, and supplement products.
Academic
Appears in botanical, pharmacological, and nutritional science texts.
Everyday
Mostly encountered when reading ingredient lists on energy drinks or health supplements.
Technical
Refers specifically to Paullinia cupana, its cultivation, or its chemical constituents like guaranine.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guarana”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guarana”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈɡɑːrənə/ (like 'guarantee').
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a guarana'). It is typically uncountable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Guarana contains caffeine (often called guaranine), but it also has other compounds like theobromine and theophylline, which may alter its effects compared to pure caffeine.
The fruit itself is edible, but it is the seeds inside that are dried, roasted, and processed to make the powdered extract commonly used.
In moderate amounts as found in commercial products, it is generally considered safe for most adults. However, excessive consumption can lead to side effects common to stimulants, such as insomnia or increased heart rate.
The name comes from the Guaraní people, indigenous to the Amazon region where the plant originates.
A climbing plant native to the Amazon basin, whose seeds are used to make a stimulant.
Guarana is usually formal, technical, commercial in register.
Guarana: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡwɑːrəˈnɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡwɑrəˈnɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GUARAna' gives you a 'GUARAnteed' energy boost.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY IS A PLANT / STIMULANT IS A SEED.
Practice
Quiz
What is guarana primarily known for?