Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tropical palm tree: A tall palm tree (Cocos nucifera) that produces coconuts as its fruit. It is widely cultivated in tropical regions.
   • The fruit of this tree: A large, hard-shelled, oval nut with a fibrous husk. It contains thick, white edible flesh (meat) surrounding a central cavity filled with a clear liquid (coconut water or milk when fresh).
   • The edible flesh: The white meat inside the coconut, often shredded, grated, or dried for use in cooking, baking, and curries.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Tree):

  • The island was lined with tall coconut palms.
  • They planted a coconut in their garden, hoping it would grow.

• Noun (Fruit):

  • He cracked the coconut open on a rock.
  • We bought a fresh coconut from the market.

• Noun (Edible Meat):

  • The recipe calls for one cup of shredded coconut.
  • She made a delicious curry with coconut and spices.

Advanced Usage

• "The milk in the coconut": An idiom meaning the essential point or the heart of the matter.
  • Once he explained the financial details, we finally understood the milk in the coconut.

Variants and Related Words

• Coconut milk (n): A creamy liquid made by processing grated coconut meat with water, used in cooking.

  • The soup is made with coconut milk and lemongrass.

• Coconut oil (n): Oil extracted from the meat of coconuts, used in cooking and cosmetics.

  • She uses coconut oil for both cooking and skincare.

• Coconut palm (n): Another term for the coconut tree.

  • The coconut palm is an important source of food and materials.

Synonyms

• Coco palm: Another name for the coconut tree.
• Cocoanut (archaic spelling): An older spelling of "coconut."

Related Phrases

• Coconut shy (n): A traditional fairground game where players throw balls to knock coconuts off stands.
  • He won a prize at the coconut shy.

Related Idioms

• That accounts for the milk in the coconut: (Humorous) That explains everything; that clarifies the whole situation.
  • Ah, you forgot to pay the bill? That accounts for the milk in the coconut!

Noun

1. tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits; widely planted throughout the tropics
2. large hard-shelled oval nut with a fibrous husk containing thick white meat surrounding a central cavity filled (when fresh) with fluid or milk
3. the edible white meat of a coconut; often shredded for use in e.g. cakes and curries