ivory nut

ivory nut ExamplesWord Origin noun

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

Origin of ivory nut First recorded in 1915–20 Examples from the Web for ivory nut Historical Examples of 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

1. the seed of the ivory palm, which contains an ivory-like substance used to make buttons, etc
2. any similar seed from other palms

Former name (1871–1932): vegetable ivory