Chestnut: meaning, definitions and examples

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chestnut

 

[ˈtʃɛs.nʌt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

tree fruit

A large brown nut that grows on a type of tree. Chestnuts are often roasted and eaten as a snack during the winter months. They have a sweet and creamy flavor.

Synonyms

acorn, nut, seed.

Examples of usage

  • I love roasting chestnuts on an open fire during the holidays.
  • Chestnuts are commonly used in stuffing for Thanksgiving dinner.
Context #2 | Noun

color

A dark reddish-brown color resembling the nut of the chestnut tree. It is often used to describe the color of hair or clothing.

Synonyms

auburn, brown, mahogany.

Examples of usage

  • She dyed her hair a rich chestnut color.
  • The jacket was a beautiful shade of chestnut brown.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'chestnut' comes from the Old French 'châtaigne', which has roots in Late Latin 'castanea'.
  • In ancient times, chestnuts were considered so valuable that they were often used as currency in some cultures.

Culinary Uses

  • Roasted chestnuts are a popular street food in many countries during the winter months.
  • Chestnuts can be used in both savory dishes, like stuffing, and sweet desserts, such as cakes and purées.

Cultural Significance

  • In many parts of Europe, chestnuts are celebrated with festivals, particularly in the fall.
  • The American chestnut tree was once a dominant species in eastern forests until a blight nearly wiped it out, making its revival a symbol of ecological hope.

Botanical Facts

  • Chestnut trees can grow large, reaching heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters), and are known for their beautiful foliage.
  • The nuts grow in clusters inside spiky husks that burst open when ripe, making them look like little green hedgehogs.

Health Benefits

  • Chestnuts are lower in fat compared to other nuts and are high in vitamins, especially vitamin C.
  • They are a good source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, making them a nutritious addition to meals.

Translations

Translations of the word "chestnut" in other languages:

🇵🇹 castanha

🇮🇳 शाहबलूत

🇩🇪 Kastanie

🇮🇩 kastanye

🇺🇦 каштан

🇵🇱 kasztan

🇯🇵 栗 (くり, kuri)

🇫🇷 châtaigne

🇪🇸 castaña

🇹🇷 kestane

🇰🇷 밤 (bam)

🇸🇦 كستناء

🇨🇿 kaštan

🇸🇰 gaštan

🇨🇳 栗子 (lìzi)

🇸🇮 kostanj

🇮🇸 kastanía

🇰🇿 жөке

🇬🇪 წაბლი (ts'abli)

🇦🇿 şabalıd

🇲🇽 castaña

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,683, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.