CHESTNUT Meaning and
Definition
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A chestnut refers to the large, oval-shaped edible nut that grows on trees belonging to the Castanea plant genus. These nuts are encased in prickly, spiky husks known as chestnut burrs, which split open when mature, allowing the nut to fall to the ground or be easily collected by people. They have a smooth, glossy, and dark brown outer shell with a lighter-colored patch marking the attachment point to the burr. Chestnuts have a sweet, slightly starchy flavor with a creamy texture when cooked, making them a popular ingredient in various culinary preparations.
The term "chestnut" is also used to describe the tree itself, typically medium-sized and deciduous, with broad, lanceolate leaves and a rounded or pyramidal crown. These trees bear both male and female flowers on the same tree, arranged in long, upright clusters. The male flowers are catkins, while the female flowers are small and inconspicuous, located at the base of the catkins. Pollination occurs through wind dissemination, leading to the formation of chestnut burrs, which protect the developing nuts until they mature.
In a metaphorical sense, the word "chestnut" is often used to describe something that is cliche, worn-out, or repetitive. This usage refers to the idea that chestnuts are a common sight or occurrence, suggesting an unoriginal or overused concept.
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1. Castanea. 2. In a horse, the rudiment of the nail or hoof of the internal digit or thumb; a horny growth on the middle or inferior third of the internal face of the hock.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• The seed or nut of a large forest-tree.
• Of a bright-brown colour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CHESTNUT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CHESTNUT
Etymology of CHESTNUT
The word "chestnut" has its origins in the Old French word "chastaigne" (modern French: châtaigne), which in turn can be traced back to the Latin word "castanea". This Latin term was borrowed from the Ancient Greek word "kastanea", believed to be derived from the region of Castanis in Thessaly, Greece. The word "chestnut" has been used to refer to both the tree and its fruit since the 16th century.
Idioms with the word CHESTNUT
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old chestnut
The idiom "old chestnut" refers to a joke, story, or saying that has been repeated so many times that it has become hackneyed, stale, or clichéd. It is often used to indicate that something is no longer funny or interesting due to excessive repetition.
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an old chestnut
The idiom "an old chestnut" refers to a well-worn or overused idea, story, or joke that has lost its originality or freshness due to excessive repetition. It implies that the subject matter is no longer interesting or entertaining, often evoking a sense of weariness or annoyance.
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an/that old chestnut
The idiom "an/that old chestnut" is used to refer to a story, joke, or idea that has been repeated so often, it has become stale, tiresome, or predictable. It implies that the subject being referred to is overused or lacks originality.
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a hoary old chestnut
The idiom "a hoary old chestnut" refers to a statement, story, joke, or idea that has been repeated so often that it has become stale, tired, or lacking in originality. It implies that the subject has become overused or outdated to the point of being predictable or cliché.
Similar spelling words for CHESTNUT
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