pistachio

noun pis·ta·chio \ pə-ˈsta-sh(ē-ˌ)ō , -ˈstä- \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of pistachio

plural pistachios

: a small Asian tree (Pistacia vera) of the cashew family whose drupaceous fruit contains a greenish edible seed; also : its seed

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Recent Examples of pistachio from the Web

Here are a few topping ideas: dried fruit like dates, apricots or cherries. Chopped nuts like pistachios, cashews or walnuts.

— anna thomas bates, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Family Table: Fuel up the children with this wholesome porridge," 10 Apr. 2018
Include tree nuts, like almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios; as well as seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower, as the primary ingredients.

— Health.com, "6 “Healthy” Snacks a Nutritionist Will Immediately Cut From Your Diet," 6 Apr. 2018
Toast the pistachios by putting them in a dry skillet over low heat.

— ellise pierce, star-telegram, "Simple no-cook sauces for spring keep time in the kitchen to a minimum | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 28 Mar. 2018
This disc of pork belly rolled with basil and pistachio is tender at its center while boasting a crispy edge.

— lindsey mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "Lupo – one of Louisville's newest pizza restaurants – has already mastered the pie," 21 Mar. 2018
The bulk bins are disappointing, with a skimpy selection and per-pound prices that aren’t stellar (pecans for $10.99, walnuts for $9.29, pistachios for $6.99 and raw almonds for $5.99).

— kathleen purvis, charlotteobserver, "The 10 things you need to buy at Lidl | Charlotte Observer," 7 Feb. 2018
Right before serving, add lettuces to carrots, along with half the pistachios, half the dill, and a pinch of fine salt.

— Sunset, "Little Gems with Carrot Borani, Pistachio, and Dill," 22 Jan. 2018
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the pistachios, panko and 1 Tbsp oil.

— woman's day kitchen, Woman's Day, "Pistachio Chicken with Couscous and Greens," 24 Mar. 2014
Each Flavor Finder will receive a $2,000 stipend to travel to their flavor destination of choice, whether that’s to China for rambutan, Buenos Aires for Rioja, Turkey for pistachios, or California for apricots.

— melissa locker, Time, "This Company Wants You to Travel the World as a Professional ‘Flavor Finder'," 4 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pistachio.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pistachio

Italian pistacchio, from Latin pistacium pistachio nut, from Greek pistakion, from pistakē pistachio tree, of Iranian origin; akin to Persian pistah pistachio tree

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1598

in the meaning defined above

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