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

Veterinarian website Bondi Vet says foods that dogs cannot eat include chocolate, which can be fatal even in small quantities; alliums, including onion, garlic and chives; grapes, raisins and sultanas; avocado; macadamia nuts; citrus; caffeine; alcohol; nutmeg; and raw dough. —Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025

Burney also noted that macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins are are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2025

Koho uses Hawaiian cacao to accompany its Hawaiian macadamia nuts, which the island is known for. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025

Nuts are sometimes okay, but some—especially macadamia nuts—could give your dog tremors, weakness and vomiting. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 14 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

Rhymes for macadamia nut

• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut
• haircut
• hindgut
• midgut
• precut
• rebut

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