cashew: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral
Quick answer
What does “cashew” mean?
The edible kidney-shaped nut of the cashew tree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The edible kidney-shaped nut of the cashew tree.
The tropical evergreen tree (Anacardium occidentale) that produces the cashew nut and the cashew apple.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The term is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Associated with health foods, snacks, and Asian/South American cuisine.
Frequency
Equal frequency. A common grocery item.
Grammar
How to Use “cashew” in a Sentence
eat [cashews]roast [the cashews]garnish with [cashews]add [a cup of cashews]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cashew” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- cashew-based milk
- cashew-flavoured curry
American English
- cashew-based milk
- cashew-flavored chicken
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of agriculture, import/export, and food retail (e.g., 'cashew production', 'cashew market prices').
Academic
Appears in botanical, agricultural, or nutritional studies (e.g., 'the cultivation of Anacardium occidentale').
Everyday
Common in cooking, shopping, and casual conversation about food (e.g., 'I added cashews to the stir-fry').
Technical
Used in horticulture and food science (e.g., 'cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)', 'cashew apple byproducts').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cashew”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cashew”
- Misspelling as 'cashoo' or 'cajoo'.
- Incorrect plural 'cashew' (correct: 'cashews').
- Pronouncing the 'sh' as /s/ ('cassoo').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Botanically, it is a seed, not a true nut. It is the kernel of the cashew fruit.
The shell contains a toxic, corrosive oil (urushiol) that must be carefully removed during processing.
It is the swollen, pear-shaped stem to which the cashew nut is attached. It is edible and used in juices, jams, and alcoholic beverages in producing countries.
They are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like copper and magnesium, but are high in calories and should be eaten in moderation.
The edible kidney-shaped nut of the cashew tree.
Cashew is usually neutral in register.
Cashew: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæʃuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæʃuː/ or /kæˈʃuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CASH' you get from selling this expensive nut.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CASHEW IS A RESOURCE (e.g., 'a valuable crop', 'a source of income').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'cashew'?