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 This includes chocolate and chocolate-based products, onions, leeks, garlic, chives, macadamia nuts, raisins, grapes, currants, products sweetened with xylitol, alcoholic beverages, and unbaked bread dough. —

Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2023 The venture, called Mahi Pono, is currently using the land to farm limes, macadamia nuts, coffee and other crops. —

Shawn Hubler, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2023 Formulated with under 10 ingredients– including macadamia nut– the Chilean-Australian founder Pia Whitesell developed the balm with organic, native Australian botanicals to hydrate and protect your face and body. —

India Espy-Jones, Essence, 12 Oct. 2023 The restaurant’s namesake ingredient is similar to the macadamia nut, used as an oil-intensive thickening agent in various dishes. —

Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2023 And macadamia nuts—believed to originate from one single tree in Queensland—can help lower cholesterol levels. —

Jessica Wynne Lockhart, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023 Kauai Pie is a fan-favorite and includes the following mouth-watering ingredients: Kona Supreme Cold Brew, coconut flakes, dark chocolate fudge, and Big Island macadamia nuts. —

Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 14 July 2023 Kona Grill Mother’s Day brunch on May 13 and 14 features steak and eggs, macadamia nut French toast, mimosas and more. —

Erin Booke, Dallas News, 28 Apr. 2023 The shop’s two top-selling flavors are macadamia nut and pistachio. —

Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2023 See More

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

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of macadamia nut was in 1929

See more words from the same year