pistachio

[ pi-stash-ee-oh, -stah-shee-oh ]

noun

, plural pis·tach·i·os.

1. the nut of a Eurasian tree, Pistacia vera, of the cashew family, containing an edible, greenish kernel.
2. the kernel itself, used for flavoring.
3. the tree itself.
4. pistachio nut flavor.
5. pistachio green.

pistachio

/ pɪˈstɑːʃɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. an anacardiaceous tree, Pistacia vera, of the Mediterranean region and W Asia, with small hard-shelled nuts
2. Also calledpistachio nut the nut of this tree, having an edible green kernel
3. the sweet flavour of the pistachio nut, used esp in ice creams

adjective

1. of a yellowish-green colour

Word History and Origins

Origin of pistachio¹

1375–1425; < Italian pistacchio < Latin pistācium < Greek pistákion pistachio nut, diminutive of pistákē pistachio tree < Middle Persian *pistak ( Persian pista ); replacing late Middle English pistace < Middle French < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of pistachio¹

C16: via Italian and Latin from Greek pistakion pistachio nut, from pistakē pistachio tree, from Persian pistah

Example Sentences

The reservoir expansion will support supplies for the district’s farms in Fresno and Kings counties — which produce almonds, pistachios, tomatoes and other crops — and will also help local efforts to recharge groundwater, Febbo said.

From Los Angeles Times

California farmers are allocating more land to grow pistachios, which are proving to be a lucrative crop that can withstand the state’s drought conditions, the Associated Press reported Sunday.

From Salon

The nursery is famous for its grapevines and root stock of almond, walnut and pistachio, which are sold to farmers, commercial growers and retail nurseries.

From Los Angeles Times

At the request of almond and pistachio farmers, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has been working with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Each bar includes toasted kataifi — thin strands of shredded phyllo dough pastry — pistachio and tahini paste that’s all mixed together and encased in milk chocolate.

From Salon