Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, solid lump of a precious metal, especially gold, as found in nature: A "nugget" is a naturally occurring piece of native metal, typically irregular in shape, that has been eroded from its original source.
   • A small, valuable piece of something: Figuratively, a "nugget" can refer to a small but significant piece of information, wisdom, or truth.
   • (Informal, chiefly Australian) A person or animal that is stocky and strong: In informal Australian English, "nugget" can describe a person or animal that is compact, muscular, and robust.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (literal, precious metal):
  • The prospector found a large gold nugget in the riverbed.
  • The museum displayed a collection of silver nuggets.
• Noun (figurative, piece of information):
  • The book is full of useful nuggets of advice for new parents.
  • His speech contained a few interesting nuggets about the company's future plans.
• Noun (informal, Australian):
  • That rugby player is a real nugget—short but incredibly strong.

Advanced Usage

• "A nugget of truth": A small but important element of truth within a larger statement or situation.
  • Amid all the rumors, there was a nugget of truth about the manager's resignation.
• "A nugget of wisdom": A small piece of insightful or valuable advice.
  • My grandfather always shared a little nugget of wisdom over dinner.

Variants and Related Words

• Nuggety (adj, chiefly Australian): Describing something or someone as being like a nugget; compact and solid.
  • He has a nuggety build, perfect for a prop forward.

Synonyms

• Lump: A compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite shape.
• Chunk: A thick, solid piece of something.
• Snippet: A small piece or brief extract (for the figurative sense of information).
• Tidbit: A small piece of tasty food or a small and particularly interesting item of news or gossip.

Related Phrases

• Chicken nugget: A small piece of processed chicken meat, typically breaded and fried. (Note: This is a compound noun listed here as a related term, not as a direct definition of "nugget").
  • The children ordered chicken nuggets and fries.

Idioms

• To strike it rich/hit the nugget: To have a sudden, valuable discovery or success (derived from the gold mining context).
  • With that innovative app, the young developers really struck it rich.

Noun

1. a solid lump of a precious metal (especially gold) as found in the earth