macadamia nut

noun

mac·​a·​da·​mia nut ˌma-kə-ˈdā-mē-ə- How to pronounce macadamia nut (audio)
: a hard-shelled nut of an Australian evergreen tree (genus Macadamia, especially M. integrifolia or M. tetraphylla) of the protea family that somewhat resembles the filbert and is cultivated extensively in Hawaii

called also macadamia

Examples of macadamia nut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Kids can also taste some of those Hawaiian fruits in dessert form at JoJo’s Shave Ice, where they’re used in the homemade syrups (definitely opt for the macadamia nut ice cream addition, which goes under the shave ice). Genevieve Ko, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2024 Foods to avoid include chocolate, raisins, grapes, avocados, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 29 Dec. 2023 Make this Paleo breakfast recipe picture-pretty by arranging extra fruit slices, macadamia nuts, chia seeds, toasted coconut, and mint leaves on top. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Nov. 2023 In addition to soy, almond, rice, and coconut, there's cashew, flaxseed, hazelnut, hemp seed, macadamia nut, oat, pea, peanut, pecan, quinoa, and walnut. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2023 This slightly smaller version of Johnson's meal is smothered in bananas foster syrup and sprinkled with crunchy macadamia nuts. Sonal Dutt, Peoplemag, 26 Dec. 2023 The burglars stole peanut butter, espresso chocolate chip and walnut chocolate cookies while leaving behind the white chocolate macadamia nut and chocolate chip. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2024 In this 12-pack, there’s chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut, and rocky road, which should satisfy every cookie craving. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2023 Other foods to avoid include macadamia nuts, raisins and grapes, as well as spices used in gingerbread cookies and cakes. Amy McGorry, Fox News, 25 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'macadamia nut.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin Macadamia, genus name, from John Macadam †1865 Scottish-born Australian chemist + New Latin -ia -ia entry 1

Note: The genus Macadamia was named by the German-born Australian botanist Ferdinand Mueller (1825-96; originally Müller, later von Mueller) in "Account of some New Australian Plants," "Read before the Institute, 5th August, 1857," Transactions of the Philosophical Institute of Victoria, from January to December, 1857, vol. 2 (1858), p. 72. Mueller noted that the naming was "dedicated to John Macadam, Esq., M.D., the talented and deserving Secretary of our Institute."

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macadamia nut was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near macadamia nut

Cite this Entry

“Macadamia nut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macadamia%20nut. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

macadamia nut

noun
mac·​a·​da·​mia nut ˌmak-ə-ˈdā-mē-ə- How to pronounce macadamia nut (audio)
: a hard-shelled nut of an Australian evergreen tree widely grown in Hawaii

called also macadamia

Etymology

John Macadam, died 1865, Australian chemist

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