ivory nut
Noun: - The seed of a South American palm tree: The ivory nut is the hard, nut-like seed of certain palm trees, primarily the Phytelephas genus, native to South America. It is valued for its extremely dense, white material which resembles animal ivory.
The term "ivory nut" is used to refer to the physical seed itself and the hard material derived from it. It is often discussed in contexts of botany, traditional crafts, and as a historical or sustainable alternative to animal ivory. - The buttons were carved from polished ivory nut. - Botanists study the growth cycle of the palm that produces the ivory nut.
- "Vegetable ivory": This is a common synonym for the material obtained from the ivory nut, emphasizing its plant origin and use as an ivory substitute.
- In the 19th century, vegetable ivory from the ivory nut was commonly used for jewelry and billiard balls.
- Tagua nut: Another name for the ivory nut, often used interchangeably.
- Phytelephas: The botanical genus name for the palms that produce ivory nuts.
- Vegetable ivory: The polished, usable material from the ivory nut.
- Tagua nut
- Vegetable ivory
- Corozo nut (a related term, sometimes used for similar palm seeds)
The "ivory nut" specifically denotes the seed. The primary meaning is botanical. Its significance extends to commercial and craft applications due to the properties of its shell, which is hard, white, and polishable. It does not refer to a type of edible nut.
- nutlike seed of a South American palm; the hard white shell takes a high polish and is used for e.g. buttons