Coconut: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word originates from the Spanish and Portuguese word 'coco,' meaning 'head' or 'skull,' due to the three holes on the shell resembling facial features.
• In different languages, 'coconut' has unique names, such as ' noix de coco' in French and 'noci di cocco' in Italian, highlighting its global presence.

Cultural Significance

• In Hindu culture, coconuts are often used in rituals and offerings, symbolizing purity and fertility.
• In many Pacific Island cultures, coconuts are known as the 'tree of life' because nearly every part of the coconut can be used for food, shelter, or tools.

Nutrition

• Coconuts are highly nutritious, providing healthy fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can improve energy levels and support metabolism.
• The water found inside the fruit is low in calories and contains electrolytes, making it a popular natural sports drink.

Economics

• Coconuts are a vital source of income in tropical countries, providing jobs in cultivation, harvesting, and production of coconut products.
• The global coconut market is valued in billions of dollars, with products ranging from oil and milk to cosmetics and rope.

Science

• Botanically, coconuts are classified as a drupe, which is a fruit with an outer fleshy part surrounding a shell with a seed inside.
• A coconut can float in water, which aids in its dispersal; this allows them to travel over long distances on ocean currents.

Ranked #10,470, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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