To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of wild chestnut
1a : a proteaceous shrub (Brabejum stellatifolia) of southern Africa
b : the nut of this plant containing a kernel that is edible when roasted
2 : a southern African tree (Calodendron capense) of the family Rutaceae with panicles of handsome white flowers for which it is sometimes cultivated also : its edible black seed
3 : a Philippine tree (Castanopsis philippinensis) related to the true chestnut also : the seed of this tree
Comments on wild chestnut
What made you want to look up wild chestnut? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
- Match the pasta to its meaning in English: Rotelle
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
Match the pasta with its meaning in Italian.
Take the quiz - Confusing Words—A Quiz
Test your knowledge of these commonly confused words!
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share wild chestnut
Resources for wild chestnut