nutmeg-tree
Definition
- Noun:
- A tropical evergreen tree: "nutmeg-tree" refers to Myristica fragrans, a tropical evergreen tree native to the Moluccas (Spice Islands) in Indonesia, cultivated for its seeds. The seed yields the spice nutmeg, and the aril (a covering) yields mace.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The nutmeg-tree grows best in humid, tropical climates. (Describes the specific tree species.)
- Farmers harvest the fruit of the nutmeg-tree to obtain the spice. (Indicates the tree's primary commercial use.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be a nutmeg-tree": (rare, figurative) to be a source of valuable or aromatic qualities.
- Her garden was a nutmeg-tree of exotic scents. (Her garden was rich in fragrant plants, like the nutmeg-tree.)
Variants and Related Words
- Nutmeg (n): the hard, aromatic seed of the nutmeg-tree, used as a spice.
- She grated fresh nutmeg onto the eggnog. (The spice from the tree's seed.)
- Mace (n): the dried, lacy covering (aril) of the nutmeg seed, also used as a spice.
- Mace has a milder flavour than nutmeg. (A related spice from the same tree.)
- Nutmeggy (adj): having the flavour or aroma of nutmeg.
- The cake had a nutmeggy scent. (Tasting or smelling like nutmeg.)
Synonyms
- Myristica fragrans: the scientific name for the nutmeg-tree.
- Spice tree: a general term for any tree that produces spices (though not specific to nutmeg).
Related Idioms
- "As rich as a nutmeg-tree": (rare) extremely valuable or productive.
- His knowledge was as rich as a nutmeg-tree. (His knowledge was abundant and valuable.)
Note: The nutmeg-tree is a specific botanical term; there are no common phrasal verbs or idioms directly using "nutmeg-tree" in everyday English. The word is primarily used in horticulture, botany, and spice trade contexts.