hazel-nut

A squirrel holds a hazel-nut in its paws.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small round nut: "hazel-nut" refers to the edible nut produced by the hazel tree (genus Corylus), typically brown with a hard shell and a sweet, oily kernel. It is also commonly called a filbert or cobnut.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She added crushed hazel-nut to the cake batter for extra flavor. (The nut from the hazel tree, used as an ingredient.)
  • Squirrels often gather hazel-nuts from the bushes in autumn. (The nuts are collected as food by animals.)

Advanced Usage

• "to crack a hazel-nut": to break open the hard shell of the nut to access the kernel.

  • He used a nutcracker to crack a hazel-nut and eat the kernel. (To break the shell of this specific nut.)

• "hazel-nut oil": a culinary or cosmetic oil extracted from hazel-nuts.

  • Hazel-nut oil is prized for its delicate flavor in salads. (Oil derived from hazel-nuts.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hazel (n): the tree or shrub that produces hazel-nuts; also a light brown color.

  • The hazel tree in the garden is full of nuts this year. (The tree itself.)

• Hazel-nut tree (n): a specific term for the tree bearing hazel-nuts.

  • We planted a hazel-nut tree near the fence. (The tree that produces hazel-nuts.)

Synonyms

• Filbert: another name for the hazel-nut, especially the cultivated variety.

  • Filberts and hazel-nuts are essentially the same thing. (Interchangeable terms for the nut.)

• Cobnut: a specific type of hazel-nut, often larger and rounder.

  • Cobnuts are a popular variety of hazel-nut in the UK. (A subtype of hazel-nut.)

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms