coco-de-mer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Scientific, Literary
Quick answer
What does “coco-de-mer” mean?
A rare and iconic palm tree (Lodoicea maldivica) native to the Seychelles, known for producing the world's largest and heaviest seed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare and iconic palm tree (Lodoicea maldivica) native to the Seychelles, known for producing the world's largest and heaviest seed.
The seed of the coco-de-mer palm, famous for its distinctive, often suggestive double-lobed shape, which has historically been surrounded by myth, legend, and high economic value.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare in both dialects. British English may have slightly more historical/colonial literary associations.
Connotations
Connotes extreme rarity, botanical wonder, and tropical luxury.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency word in both dialects, encountered almost exclusively in specialized contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coco-de-mer” in a Sentence
The [coco-de-mer] is [adjective/venerated/protected].They saw a [coco-de-mer] on [Praslin Island].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coco-de-mer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verbal use]
American English
- [No verbal use]
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial use]
American English
- [No adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The coco-de-mer forest is a UNESCO site.
- They own a coco-de-mer sculpture.
American English
- The coco-de-mer habitat is protected by law.
- A coco-de-mer specimen was on display.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of luxury goods, high-end tourism, or rare commodity trading.
Academic
In botany, ecology, conservation biology, and historical studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used precisely in taxonomic and horticultural literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coco-de-mer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coco-de-mer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coco-de-mer”
- Spelling as 'coco-de-mare' (Italian) instead of French 'mer'.
- Using it as a general term for any large coconut.
- Incorrect plural: 'coco-de-mers' is common, but 'coco-de-mer' can be used as an invariant plural in botanical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the jelly-like interior of the young seed is edible, but mature nuts are extremely hard and primarily valued as curiosities or for their symbolic worth.
The name is French for 'coconut of the sea'. Before the palm's origin was known, its giant seeds were found washed up on shores, leading people to believe they grew on underwater trees.
They are endemic to only two islands in the Seychelles (Praslin and Curieuse) and can be seen in protected reserves like the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is strictly regulated. Trade requires a government-issued certificate from the Seychelles to ensure it was obtained sustainably and legally, as the species is protected.
A rare and iconic palm tree (Lodoicea maldivica) native to the Seychelles, known for producing the world's largest and heaviest seed.
Coco-de-mer is usually formal, scientific, literary in register.
Coco-de-mer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊkəʊ də ˈmɛː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊkoʊ də ˈmɛr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COCO-nut so big it comes from the SEA (MER is French for 'sea'), washed ashore like a treasure.
Conceptual Metaphor
A symbol of forbidden fruit or ultimate rarity (the 'Holy Grail' of the botanical world).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'coco-de-mer' primarily known for?