What does macadamia mean?
A macadamia is a tree or the edible nut that it produces. The trees are evergreen and originate in Australia, where several closely related species grow naturally. Their nuts have exceptionally hard shells and are commonly roasted before eating. Macadamias have a rich, subtly buttery flavor and are used in cookies, chocolates, desserts, and savory dishes, while macadamia oil is valued for cooking and cosmetics. The name comes from the botanical genus Macadamia, which the Scottish botanist David Douglas named in honor of John Macadam, a chemist and physician associated with industrial chemistry. Although the nut is strongly associated with Hawaii and other Pacific food traditions, it is now cultivated in several warm regions around the world. In everyday English, 'macadamia' by itself can refer either to the tree or, especially in food contexts, to the nut.
nounA macadamia is an evergreen tree native to Australia that bears edible nuts with hard shells. The word can also refer to its nuts, which are commonly eaten as snacks or used in baking, confectionery, and cooking.
- An evergreen tree of the genus Macadamia, native to Australia, with leathery leaves and nuts enclosed in thick, hard shells.
- The edible nut of a macadamia tree, usually eaten roasted or raw and used in confectionery, baking, and cooking.
"She added toasted macadamias and dark chocolate to the trail mix."
"Macadamia trees produce nuts with hard shells that must be cracked carefully."
"The cheesecake was topped with toasted macadamias and a little honey."
The standard plural of the fruit or nut is 'macadamias'; 'macadamia nuts' is the usual plural form when the nuts are presented as food.
"A handful of roasted macadamias was added to the salad."
The macadamia's name preserves the surname of John Macadam, a Scottish chemist and physician whose work on industrial chemistry was honored by the tree's botanical classification.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does macadamia come from?
The word comes from the botanical genus Macadamia, established by the Scottish botanist David Douglas in the 19th century. He named the genus in honor of John Macadam, a Scottish chemist and physician known for his work in industrial chemistry. The food sense developed from the tree's botanical name and later became a general name for its edible nuts.
How macadamia is actually used
When referring to the food, the singular 'macadamia' commonly means a macadamia nut; 'macadamia nuts' is also standard. The spelling is standard in both British and American English.