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

An all-star moisturizing ingredient lineup of panthenol, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides, and macadamia nut oil cocoon skin with the toner’s silky lotion-like formula to make skin feel as soft as a baby’s, Abelman says. —Sarah Han, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

The macadamia nut turkey meal is $38 for one person or $76 for two and the traditional meal is $35 for one person or $70 for two. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024

The nuts grow on macadamia nut trees, which are medium-sized evergreen trees. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Here’s the breakdown: 24 lobsters, 18 romesco jars, 36 au lait bottles, 40 hog plums, 36 pea flowers, 50 sardines, 50 shallots, 40 blue maize, 36 cardamom, 40 macadamia nut, 30 tomatillo, and 40 licorice. —Rima Suqi, Forbes, 6 Dec. 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