coconut

[ koh-kuh-nuht, -nuht ]

noun

1. the large, hard-shelled seed of the coconut palm, lined with a white edible meat, and containing a milky liquid.
2. the meat of the coconut, often shredded and used in cooking, as a flavoring, and as a dessert topping.
3. coconut palm.
4. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a person of color, especially a person of Latin American or South Asian origin or descent, who is regarded as having adopted the attitudes, values, and behavior thought to be characteristic of middle-class white society, at the expense of their ethnic heritage. Compare Oreo.

coconut

/ ˈkəʊkəˌnʌt /

noun

1. the fruit of the coconut palm, consisting of a thick fibrous oval husk inside which is a thin hard shell enclosing edible white meat. The hollow centre is filled with a milky fluid ( coconut milk )
2. 1. the meat of the coconut, often shredded and used in cakes, curries, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      coconut cake

3. slang.
   a black or Asian person who conforms to white culture at the expense of his or her ancestral culture, the idea being that, like a coconut, he or she is dark on the outside and white on the inside

Word History and Origins

Origin of coconut¹

First recorded in 1605–15; coco + nut

Word History and Origins

Origin of coconut¹

C18: see coco

Example Sentences

A “master plan” had been drawn up to improve health and education, transport connections and recreational facilities for the island’s residents, and to develop the fishing sector and the exploitation of coconut by-products, he said.

From BBC

It’s made with pumpkin seeds, coconut oil and lima beans, among other ingredients, but it tastes mind-bogglingly like the real thing.

From Los Angeles Times

One crowd pleaser happened to be totally vegan: a red lentil dal served with coconut rice.

From Salon

As I stroll along the shore, I’m hit by a mix of salty sea air mingles and the scent of coconut sunblock a beachgoer is applying.

From Los Angeles Times

Sugar: I prefer coconut sugar, but regular sugar works fine.

From Salon

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