bitter almond

noun

: an almond with a bitter taste that contains amygdalin
also : a tree (Prunus dulcis amara) producing bitter almonds

Examples of bitter almond in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This red jar candle exudes an intoxicating blend of bitter almond, saffron, white floral jasmine, and ambered cedarwood. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2024 Medieval Arabic texts indicate that bitter almond was sometimes used to fade freckles and other discolorations, Stewart points out. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 29 July 2023 Whole bitter almonds are not used for snacking or baking like sweet almonds are. USA TODAY, 4 July 2023 Queen Charlotte had an entire room at Windsor Castle dedicated to her snuff collection, her favorite of which was named Violet Strasbourg, a blend mixed with bitter almonds, ambergris, and attar. Lauren Puckett-Pope, Harper's BAZAAR, 5 May 2023 Cherry Eau De Parfum is a bolder, sexier take on cherries, thanks to a blend of bitter almond and sweet cherry liqueur. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 26 Sep. 2022 Le Castella is a coastal town on the Ionian sea, a prime location that allows for the local olive trees to produce optimal flavor profiles that are fruity, herbaceous with notes of bitter almond. Valentina Di Donato, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021 In many detective novels, the ominous aroma of bitter almonds foreshadows a swift demise. Jennifer Leman, Scientific American, 13 June 2019 Bamford, who launched the book at a May event in Malibu, intersperses her story and the striking photos with nutritious recipes: plum and bitter almond jam, flat-iron chicken and kale. Kavita Daswani, latimes.com, 15 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bitter almond.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bitter almond was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near bitter almond

Cite this Entry

“Bitter almond.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bitter%20almond. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

bitter almond

noun
: an almond with a bitter taste that contains amygdalin
also : a tree (Prunus dulcis amara) of the rose family (Rosaceae) producing bitter almonds

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