ivory nut

noun

1. the seed of a low, South American palm, Phytelephas macrocarpa, yielding vegetable ivory.
2. a similar seed from other palms.

ivory nut

noun

1. the seed of the ivory palm, which contains an ivory-like substance used to make buttons, etc
2. any similar seed from other palms

Word History and Origins

Origin of ivory nut¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Among forest products are rubber, cinchona bark, toquilla fibre and ivory nuts.

From Project Gutenberg

But the one best known to commerce under the name of ivory nut is the fruit of Phytelephas macrocarpa, native of New Granada and other parts of Central America.

From Project Gutenberg

A curious article of exportation is the ivory nut, or tagua, which in value now comes next after bananas.

From Project Gutenberg

The handsome ivory nut of this bow is shown in Fig.

From Project Gutenberg

And they have whips of ivory nuts and are just dying to get muskets, tobacco and beads.

From Project Gutenberg