butternut
butternut Lexical Profile
butternut Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A type of winter squash with smooth, pale tan skin, a characteristic elongated bell shape, and sweet, orange flesh.
"She roasted the butternut with olive oil and sage to make a comforting autumn soup."
North American A North American walnut tree (Juglans cinerea) that produces elongated, deeply ridged nuts with sweet, oily kernels, or the nut itself.
"The carpenter prized the light-colored wood of the butternut for making fine cabinetry and furniture."
American A yellowish-brown dye traditionally extracted from the bark and nut husks of the butternut tree, or a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War who wore a uniform colored with this dye.
"During the American Civil War, many rural Confederate troops wore homespun uniforms dyed a distinctive butternut."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in North America in the mid-18th century, derived from 'butter' and 'nut', named for the nut's high oil content and rich, buttery flavor.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.