nut

nut · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A hard-shelled fruit containing an edible kernel.

  2. 2.

    A small metal piece with a threaded hole, used with a bolt to fasten things together.

  3. 3.

    (informal) A crazy or eccentric person.

  4. 4.

    (informal) An enthusiast or devotee.

Forms

plural: nuts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    a tough nut to crack — a difficult problem or person to deal with
  • •
    in a nutshell — in the fewest possible words; briefly
  • •
    nuts and bolts — the basic practical details
  • •
    go nuts — (informal) to become crazy or very excited

Related words

See also: almond, bolt, seed, walnut
Synonyms: kernel, seed

Etymology

From Old English hnutu, from Proto-Germanic hnutz, from Proto-Indo-European kneu- ("nut").