bitter almond

bitter almond

n. A variety of almond (Prunus dulcis var. amara) having kernels that yield an oil consisting mostly of benzaldehyde and some hydrocyanic acid. The detoxified oil can be used for flavoring.

al•mond

(ˈɑ mənd, ˈæm ənd; spelling pron. ˈæl mənd)

n. 1. the nutlike kernel of the fruit of either of two trees, Prunus dulcis, or P. dulcis amara (bitter almond), of the rose family. 2. the tree itself. 3. a pale tan. 4. anything shaped like an almond. adj. 5. of the color, taste, or shape of an almond. 6. made or flavored with almonds: almond cookies. [1250–1300; Middle English almande < Old French (dial.) alemande, < Late Latin amandula, < Greek amygdálē] al′mond•like`, al′mond•y, adj.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

bitter almond - almond trees having white blossoms and poisonous nuts yielding an oil used for flavoring and for medicinal purposesAmygdalus communis amara, Prunus dulcis amaraalmond tree - any of several small bushy trees having pink or white blossoms and usually bearing nuts