ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hazelnut

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈheɪzəɫˌnət// UK //hˈeɪzɪlnˌʌt// hazel·nut

n. a small, round nut with a hard shell that is often used in baking or eaten as a snack. It is also the name for the tree that produces these nuts.

n. the edible seed of the Corylus genus, typically found within a husk or cupule. Often used in culinary contexts for its rich, nutty flavor.


SIMPLE

I love the taste of hazelnut chocolate.

CONTEXTUAL

The baker added finely chopped hazelnuts to the cake batter to give it a crunchy texture.

COMPLEX

While the hazelnut is a staple in European confectionery, the tree itself is valued in landscaping for its ornamental catkins and its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.

Synonyms
Origin

Equivalent to hazel + nut; from Middle English haselnote, from Old English hæselhnutu (“hazelnut”). Cognate with West Frisian hazzenút (“hazelnut”), Saterland Frisian Hoaselnuute (“hazelnut”), Dutch hazelnoot, German Haselnuss.

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