ivory nut


noun

the seed of a low, South American palm, Phytelephas macrocarpa, yielding vegetable ivory.
a similar seed from other palms.

Origin of ivory nut

First recorded in 1915–20

Example sentences from the Web for ivory nut

  • The price of ivory-nut waste was high, because of the use of this material in the manufacture of lactic acid.

    America's Munitions 1917-1918 |Benedict Crowell

British Dictionary definitions for ivory nut

ivory nut

noun

the seed of the ivory palm, which contains an ivory-like substance used to make buttons, etc
any similar seed from other palms
Former name (1871–1932): vegetable ivory