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Glite Dictionary
nutmeg tree

nutmeg tree

5.5
A tropical evergreen tree that produces the spices nutmeg and mace
  • noun
  • /ˈnʌtˌmɛɡ tri/
translation icon : árbol de nuez moscada
  • The nutmeg tree thrives in humid tropical climates and can live for several decades.

Examples

  • In colonial times, the nutmeg tree was a highly valuable commodity for spice traders.

  • Farmers harvest both nutmeg and mace from the same nutmeg tree.

  • The nutmeg tree thrives in warm climates.

  • Many farmers cultivate nutmeg trees for their valuable seeds.

  • The nutmeg tree grows best in warm, humid climates where it can thrive and produce its aromatic seeds.

  • Many farmers in the Caribbean cultivate the nutmeg tree for its valuable spices used in cooking.

  • The nutmeg tree can reach heights of up to 60 feet, offering shade and a bounty of nutmeg and mace during their harvest.

Synonyms

Myristica fragrans
vsnutmeg tree
  • Specialized
9.1

A tropical evergreen tree with aromatic seeds used to make nutmeg and mace

is the everyday common name used instead of the scientific label
Myristica
vsnutmeg tree
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical Asian evergreen trees that includes the nutmeg tree

refers to a single species rather than the broader group of related trees

Surface Forms

nutmeg tree singular
nutmeg trees plural

Morphology

nutmeg + tree

The noun-noun compound 'nutmeg tree' is directly and transparently composed from 'nutmeg' (the aromatic seed/spice) + 'tree' (a tall perennial plant), so its meaning as the tree that produces nutmeg is immediately derivable. This is a straightforward, non-idiomatic naming pattern common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will understand it.

Etymology

Nutmeg tree is a simple name that tells you what the plant does: it joins nutmeg (the seed people use for cooking) and tree (the plant). So the name shows it is the tree that produces both 'nutmeg' and the red outer part called 'mace'.