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

What's Included Among the entrees are two varieties of salmon (coconut macadamia nut-crusted or grilled), chicken (either grilled or lightly breaded), London broil, marinara beef meatballs and turkey meat loaf. —Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026

The signature Hula pie, featuring macadamia nut ice cream coated with an outer chocolate crust and drizzled with chocolate fudge, will return to the dessert menu. —Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Try using macadamia nuts in our Almond-Crusted Chicken. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026

Highlights include the sourdough crafted by award-winning baker Frederic Lalos, the foie gras course featuring a seafoam complemented with a macadamia nut caramel, and scallops served with XO sauce that is bursting with umami flavor. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026

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