Almonds

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɑː.məndz/

Definitions

1. A nutritious seed found inside a hard shell, often enjoyed as a snack or ingredient in various recipes, known for its health advantages and culinary uses
2. An edible nut encased in a tough exterior, frequently roasted or used in cooking, celebrated for its rich nutrient profile and versatility in dishes
3. A type of seed harvested from a tree, commonly eaten raw, roasted, or used in cooking and baking

Etymology: The almond's name travelled a long way, and the path it took explains its odd spelling. The Greek "amygdalē" gave Latin "amygdala," which was also the source of the anatomical term for the brain's almond-shaped clusters. Late Latin reshaped it into "amandula," and Old French turned that into "alemande" or "amande." Along the way, the Arabic definite article "al-" was attached, which is why the English word begins with "al-" and not simply "am-." The silent "l" is a later addition. Early Modern and eighteenth-century writers mostly pronounced the word without it, as "ah-mund," and the "l" appears to have been inserted by spellers who wanted the spelling to match the Arabic-influenced form. The pronunciation with the "l" gradually became standard, so the sound people say today is a spelling pronunciation of the word's history.

Synonyms: nuts, drupes