Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hard-shelled seed consisting of an edible kernel or meat enclosed in a woody or leathery shell: An "edible nut" is a type of seed from certain plants, characterized by a hard, protective outer shell that must be cracked open to access the soft, nutritious seed inside, which is safe and intended for human consumption.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • Almonds, walnuts, and pecans are all popular types of edible nuts.
  • The recipe calls for one cup of chopped edible nuts, such as hazelnuts or cashews.
  • It's important to store edible nuts in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming rancid.

Advanced Usage

• "in the shell": Refers to an edible nut that is still enclosed in its hard outer casing.
  • He bought peanuts in the shell to snack on during the game.
• "nutmeat": A term specifically for the edible kernel found inside the shell of an edible nut.
  • After cracking the walnuts, she carefully picked out the nutmeat.

Variants and Related Words

• Nut (n): A common short form for "edible nut." While "nut" can have broader botanical meanings, in culinary contexts it typically implies the seed is edible.
  • This trail mix contains various nuts and dried fruits.
• Kernel (n): The softer, edible part inside the shell of an edible nut, seed, or fruit stone.
  • The kernel of the apricot pit must be processed correctly to be safe for consumption.
• Seed (n): The broader botanical category to which edible nuts belong; a flowering plant's unit of reproduction.
  • A peanut is botanically a seed, not a true nut, but is commonly considered an edible nut.

Synonyms

• Culinary nut: A nut used in cooking and eating.
• Table nut: A nut served as food.

Related Phrases

• Mixed nuts: A common commercial product containing a variety of different shelled edible nuts.
  • She served a bowl of mixed nuts to her guests.
• Nut butter: A spread made by grinding edible nuts into a paste.
  • Peanut butter and almond butter are popular types of nut butter.

Related Idioms

• A tough nut to crack: (Idiom) A difficult problem to solve or a person who is hard to understand or influence. This idiom metaphorically references the hard shell of an edible nut.
  • This physics equation is a tough nut to crack.
• For peanuts: (Idiom) For a very small amount of money. This idiom references the low cost of peanuts, a common edible nut.
  • He sold his vintage car for peanuts.

Noun

1. a hard-shelled seed consisting of an edible kernel or meat enclosed in a woody or leathery shell