pistachio

n. [ It. pistacchio (cf. Sp. pistacho, F. pistache), fr. L. pistacium, Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, fr. Per. pistah. Cf. Fistinut. ] (Bot.) The nut of the Pistacia vera, a tree of the order Anacardiaceæ, containing a kernel of a pale greenish color, which has a pleasant taste, resembling that of the almond, and yields an oil of agreeable taste and odor; -- called also pistachio nut. It is wholesome and nutritive. The tree grows in Arabia, Persia, Syria, and Sicily. [ Written also pistachia. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The small anacardiaceous tree (Pistacia vera), of southern Europe and Asia Minor, which bears the pistachio nut. Called also pistache. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

3. (Cookery) The flavor of the pistachio nut, or an ice or confection flavored with it. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

4. Pistachio green. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]