Butternut (Noun)

Meaning ¹

North American walnut tree having light-brown wood and edible nuts; source of a light-brown dye.

Classification

Nouns denoting plants.

Examples

• The wood of the butternut tree is valued for its durability and resistance to decay, making it ideal for furniture-making.
• In North America, the butternut tree is a vital food source for many animals, particularly those that rely on its edible nuts for sustenance.
• Butternut trees have been over-harvested for their timber and nuts, resulting in declining populations in many regions.
• A light-brown dye can be extracted from the butternut tree, making it a useful plant for crafters and textile artists.
• In the fall, the butternut tree's nuts fall to the ground, where they can be collected and roasted as a tasty snack.

Synonyms

• Juglans Cinerea
• White Walnut
• Butternut Tree

Hypernyms

• Walnut Tree

Meaning ²

Oily egg-shaped nut of an American tree of the walnut family.

Classification

Nouns denoting foods and drinks.

Examples

• The butternut is native to eastern North America, particularly in the Ohio River Valley.
• In autumn, the butternut tree produces edible nuts rich in oil and protein.
• Wildlife, such as squirrels and deer, rely on the butternut as a vital food source.
• Butternut oil extracted from the nut has been used for medicinal purposes.
• Historically, the butternut was a significant food source for many Native American tribes.