nutmeg
UK: ˈnʌtmɛɡ | US: ˈnʌtmɛɡ
n. 1. A hard, aromatic seed from the tropical tree Myristica fragrans, used as a spice in cooking.
n. 2. The tree itself, native to the Moluccas (Spice Islands).
nutmeg = nut<seed> + meg<kernel>
- nut (from Old English hnutu, meaning "hard-shelled seed")
- meg (from Old French mugue, derived from Latin nux muscata, meaning "musky nut")
Etymology Origin:
The word nutmeg traces back to the Latin nux muscata ("musky nut"), referencing its fragrant quality. Over time, nux (nut) merged with meg, a shortened form of muscata, through Old French nois muguede. By the 14th century, Middle English condensed it to notemuge, later evolving into nutmeg. The term reflects the spice’s dual identity as both a seed ("nut") and a fragrant kernel ("meg").
She grated fresh nutmeg into the pumpkin pie filling.
Nutmeg adds warmth to both sweet and savory dishes.
The spice trade once made nutmeg as valuable as gold.
A pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor of béchamel sauce.
The nutmeg tree produces both mace and nutmeg as spices.