Definition
To cook something by boiling or baking it with heat, especially food.
Example
Hay que cocer el arroz durante veinte minutos.
Show translation
You have to cook the rice for twenty minutes.
Etymology
From Latin *coquere* ("to cook"), which also gave English "cook" and "cuisine" via French. The Latin root traces back to Proto-Indo-European *pekʷ-*, meaning to cook or ripen.
Cultural note
In Spain, *cocer* specifically implies cooking in liquid (boiling) or in an oven (baking), and is distinct from *freír* (to fry) or *asar* (to roast/grill). In Latin America, *cocinar* is often used more broadly in its place. A common false friend: *cocer* (to cook) looks similar to *coser* (to sew) — a classic mix-up even for native speakers writing quickly!