Brazil nut

noun

1. the three-sided, hard-shelled edible seed of the tree Bertholletia excelsa and related species, of South America.

brazil nut

noun

1. a tropical South American tree, Bertholletia excelsa , producing large globular capsules, each containing several closely packed triangular nuts: family Lecythidaceae
2. the nut of this tree, having an edible oily kernel and a woody shell

Word History and Origins

Origin of Brazil nut¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The blossoms of the Brazil-nut-tree are large and yellow, having a delicate aromatic perfume.

From Project Gutenberg

We're now aground on the branches of a sapucaya,—a species of the Brazil-nut, and among the tallest of Amazonian trees.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, with a brazil nut candle for illumination, he began to write.

From Project Gutenberg

Here are four nuts, a brazil nut, an almond, a walnut and a pecan.

From Project Gutenberg