pistachio

noun

pis·​ta·​chio pə-ˈsta-sh(ē-ˌ)ō  -ˈstä- 

plural pistachios

: a small Asian tree (Pistacia vera) of the cashew family whose drupaceous fruit contains a greenish edible seed

also : its seed

Examples of pistachio in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another study, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition in 2023, found that older adults who ate two handfuls of mixed nuts a day (including walnuts, pistachios, cashews and hazelnuts) over a 16 week period showed significant improvements in memory and blood flow to the brain. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

For maximal protein, combine peanuts, almonds, and pistachios. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 22 Oct. 2024

Seeds discovered in large, constructed pits revealed that the civilization cultivated barley, wheat, peas, pistachios and olives. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Oct. 2024

Sprinkle the pistachios on top and garnish with a few pinches of Urfa pepper. —Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian pistacchio, from Latin pistacium pistachio nut, from Greek pistakion, from pistakē pistachio tree, of Iranian origin; akin to Persian pistah pistachio tree

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pistachio

noun

pis·​ta·​chio pə-ˈstash-(ē-ˌ)ō  -ˈstäsh- 

plural pistachios

: a small Asian tree that is related to the sumacs and has a fruit containing a greenish edible seed

also : its seed