black walnut
• noun
The heavy, dark brown heartwood of the black walnut tree, highly prized in fine woodworking, cabinetry, and furniture making.
"The cabinetmaker specifically requested black walnut for the custom dining table because of its rich color and remarkable durability."
North American A large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern North America, scientifically known as Juglans nigra, valued for its deeply furrowed dark bark and high-quality timber.
"The towering black walnut in the backyard provides extensive shade during the hot summer months."
The edible, intensely flavored nut produced by the black walnut tree, which is encased in a thick, green husk that turns black and stains heavily upon falling.
"We spent the afternoon gathering black walnuts from the orchard, wearing heavy gloves to avoid staining our hands with the dark husk juice."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused in culinary contexts with the English walnut; the black walnut has a much thicker, staining husk, a harder shell, and a far more intense, earthy flavor profile.
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Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.