earthnut

noun

1

: any of various roots, tubers, or subterranean pods: such as

a

: the tuber of a common southern European plant (Conopodium denudatum) of the family Umbelliferae having the flavor of roasted chestnuts

b

: yellow nutsedge

c

: peanut

d

or less commonly earthnut pea : the root of the heath pea

2

: any plant producing earthnuts

3

: truffle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English erthenote, from Old English eorthnutu, from eorth- (from eorthe earth) + nutu, hnutu nut

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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