nutmeg means an evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans) cultivated in the East Indies for its spicy seeds.
nutmeg is pronounced /ˈnʌt.mɛɡ/.
Why “nutmeg” is a great word
The aromatic seed of the tropical tree *Myristica fragrans*, ground as a warm, sweetly pungent spice, or the act in ball sports of slipping the ball between an opponent's legs. From Middle English *notemege*, *notemuge*, a partial translation of Medieval Latin *nux muscata* ("musky nut"). Unlike 'mace,' the delicate, lacy aril that cloaks it, or 'allspice,' a berry whose flavor merely hints at a blend, nutmeg is the dense, essential kernel. It is the scent of snowfall on a spiced custard, the woody grit beneath a grater, and the audacious, gleeful geometry of a footballer's trick—a latent heat released from the heart of a seed or the flash of a play.
Etymology
From Middle English notemege, notemuge, a partial translation of Medieval Latin nux muga, a variant of Medieval Latin nux muscata (“musky nut”). Compare also Old French nois mugede.
For the term used in various ball sports, see Wikipedia.
noun
- An evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans) cultivated in the East Indies for its spicy seeds.
- The aromatic seed of this tree, used as a spice.; The powdered seed, ready for use.
- The aromatic seed of this tree, used as a spice.; A whole nutmeg seed.
- A small moth, Hadula trifolii, feeding on plants and native to the Northern Hemisphere.
- A grey-brown colour.
- The playing of the ball between the legs of an opponent.
verb
- To flavour with nutmeg.e.g.“She decided the eggnog was lacking in flavor, so she decided to nutmeg it heavily.”
- To play the ball between the legs of (an opponent).
Words closest in meaning
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