Anatomy

Nuts

Botanically, a type of single-seeded fruit in which the pericarp enclosing the seed is a hard woody shell. In common usage the term is used loosely for any hard, oil-rich kernel. Of those commonly eaten, only hazel, filbert, and chestnut are strictly nuts. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, and coconuts are really drupes. Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamias, and cashews are really seeds with a hard shell derived from the testa rather than the pericarp.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Botanically, a type of single-seeded fruit in which the pericarp enclosing the seed is a hard woody shell. In common usage the term is used loosely for any hard, oil-rich kernel. Of those commonly eaten, only hazel, filbert, and chestnut are strictly nuts. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, and coconuts are really drupes. Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamias, and cashews are really seeds with a hard shell derived from the testa rather than the pericarp.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

1 entry terms
  • Nut

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings adverse effects, anatomy & histology, chemistry, classification, cytology, drug effects, economics, embryology, enzymology, genetics, growth & development, history, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, toxicity, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

/adv eff; consider also NUT HYPERSENSITIVITY; PEANUTS see ARACHIS is also available

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. A18.024.500w.500w
  2. G07.203.300w.700w
  3. J02.500w.700w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Nuts. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D009754. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D009754
  2. Nuts. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nut_(fruit)
  3. Nuts. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11009