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cashew

[ kash-oo, kuh-shoo ]

noun

  1. a tree, Anacardium occidentale, native to tropical America, having milky juice, simple, leathery leaves, and yellowish-pink flowers in open clusters.
  2. Also called cashew nut. the small, kidney-shaped, edible nut of this tree.


cashew

/ kæˈʃuː; ˈkæʃuː /

noun

  1. a tropical American anacardiaceous evergreen tree, Anacardium occidentale, bearing kidney-shaped nuts that protrude from a fleshy receptacle
  2. Also calledcashew nut the edible nut of this tree
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of cashew1

1695–1705; < Portuguese cajú, aphetic variant of acajú < Tupi akaʾiu
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cashew1

C18: from Portuguese cajú, from Tupi acajú
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Example Sentences

The inside has a cashew mixture, which is savory, and on top is edible silver.

From Salon

There’s Anna Tobias’ cucumber and cashew nut curry, in which chunks of fresh cucumbers are paired with cashew nuts and a spiced coconut milk base.

From Salon

He alleged that he was again reassured there were no nuts in the food.It was only when his friend saw the menu that they realised the curry contained cashews.

From BBC

In addition to many recalls over the past year or so, Trader Joe's also recently recalled cashews in March due to potential salmonella concerns.

From Salon

A few of its products include coconut toffee roasted cashews, organic seaweed snacks and garlic mustard aioli.

From Salon

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More About Cashew

What does cashew mean?

A cashew is an evergreen tree native to the tropical areas of the Americas, as in I took a nap under the shady cashew. 

The kidney-shaped seed found in the fruit of this tree is also called a cashew, or a cashew nut, as in Chang makes a tasty stir-fry using chicken and cashews. 

Because most people aren’t botanists or tropical tree growers, you’ll see cashew usually used to mean the seeds rather than the tree. If both items are being discussed, you’ll see references to “cashew trees” and “cashew nuts.”

Although they are often referred to as nuts, cashews are actually the seeds found inside of the cashew apples that grow on cashew trees.

Example: Roland ate so many cashews as a snack that he didn’t want supper. 

Where does cashew come from?

The first records of the word cashew come from around 1695. It ultimately comes from the Tupi acajú. Cashews are mainly cultivated in the Portuguese-speaking nation of Brazil and have been grown there for hundreds of years.

When eaten in moderation, unsalted cashews are considered a healthy food. They contain Vitamin K and minerals such iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium. Because they naturally come from cashew trees, cashews are a usual part of a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to cashew?

  • cashews (plural noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with cashew

What are some words that often get used in discussing cashew?

How is cashew used in real life?

Cashew nuts are commonly sold in US grocery stores and are used in a variety of recipes.

Try using cashew!

True or False?

A cashew is a fruit that grows on a vine.

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