macadamia nut

noun

mac·​a·​da·​mia nut ˌma-kə-ˈdā-mē-ə- 

: 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

Don’t miss the macadamia nut crusted Hawaiian kampachi stuffed with crab and lobster and be warned, the Mai Tai is delicious, but potent. —Jen Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2024

Fairtrade profits have allowed Costa Rican coffee farmers to grow macadamia nuts, Sri Lankan tea farmers to sell spices, and Tanzanian coffee farmers to invest in an instant coffee factory. —Harriet Lamb, Foreign Affairs, 20 Aug. 2013

Called the Cookie Kahuna, the company's goods made use of Hawaiian flavors like macadamia nuts and also offered classics like chocolate chip. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024

Its moisturizing power comes from ingredients like macadamia nut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 13 Aug. 2024

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

Kids Definition

macadamia nut

noun

mac·​a·​da·​mia nut ˌmak-ə-ˈdā-mē-ə- 

: a hard-shelled nut of an Australian evergreen tree widely grown in Hawaii

called also macadamia

Etymology

John Macadam, died 1865, Australian chemist