Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling a nut in shape and size: Having physical characteristics, such as form and dimensions, that are similar to those of a nut.
   • Having the flavor of nuts: Possessing a taste characteristic of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, often described as rich, earthy, and sometimes slightly sweet.

Usage Examples

• Resembling a nut:
  • The seed had a hard, nutlike shell.
  • She collected small, nutlike stones from the riverbed.
• Having the flavor of nuts:
  • The cheese has a pleasant, nutlike flavor.
  • This brown ale offers a nutlike taste with a hint of caramel.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in botanical, culinary, and descriptive contexts to draw a direct comparison to the qualities of edible nuts.
• It can describe textures metaphorically, though this is less common. For example: "The material had a hardness."

Variants and Related Words

• Nutty (adj): This is a more common synonym, especially for the flavor meaning. It can also mean "crazy" or "enthusiastic," which "nutlike" does not.
  • The cake had a nutty flavor.
• Nut-shaped (adj): A more literal compound specifically for the physical resemblance.
  • A nut-shaped pendant.

Synonyms

• For shape: nut-shaped, almond-shaped (if specific).
• For flavor: nutty, tasting of nuts.

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Nutlike aroma: A smell reminiscent of nuts.
• Nutlike consistency: A texture similar to that of a nut (e.g., firm, crunchy).

Adjective

1. resembling a nut in shape and size
2. having the flavor of nuts
   • a nutty sherry