nut
word
Definition
A nut is a small dry fruit with a hard shell and an edible inside, such as an almond or walnut. It can also mean a small metal piece used with a bolt to fasten things together.
Usage & Nuances
Most often, 'nut' means food: 'mixed nuts', 'a bag of nuts', 'nut allergy'. In technical contexts, it means the hardware part used with a bolt: 'tighten the nut'. Be careful: in informal English, 'nut' can also refer to a silly or crazy person, but that meaning can sound rude.
Example Sentences
I ate a nut after lunch.
basic
This nut is too tight to remove.
basic
She cannot eat any nuts because of her allergy.
basic
Can you pass me the wrench? I need to loosen this nut.
natural
These cookies have nuts in them, so check before you eat one.
natural
He’s a total nut when it comes to old trains.
natural