Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Butternut
But′ter-nutˊ
,Noun.
1.
(Bot.)
An American tree (
Juglans cinerea
) of the Walnut family, and its edible fruit; – so called from the oil contained in the latter. Sometimes called oil nut
and white walnut
. 2.
(Bot.)
The nut of the
Caryocar butyrosum
and Caryocar nuciferum
, of S. America; – called also Souari nut
. Webster 1828 Edition
Butternut
BUT'TERNUT
,Noun.
The fruit of an American tree, the Juglans cinerea; so called from the oil it contains. The tree bears a resemblance,in its general appearance, to the walnut, or black walnut, so called. It is sometimes called oilnut and white walnut. The tree is called also butternut or butternut-tree. Dr. M. Cutler calls it Juglans Cathartica.