Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

ivory nut

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

Origin of ivory nut

First recorded in 1915–20
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for ivory nut

Historical Examples of ivory nut

  • The price of ivory-nut waste was high, because of the use of this material in the manufacture of lactic acid.

    America's Munitions 1917-1918

    Benedict Crowell

British Dictionary definitions for ivory nut

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
Show More
Former name (1871–1932): vegetable ivory
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