Definition

A type of growth on a plant, resembling a small nut, caused by insects or other organisms.

Example

The gallnut formed on the tree after an insect laid its eggs in the bark.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a gallnut?

No, I haven't! What is it?

It's a type of growth on plants, kind of like a nut.

That sounds interesting! I’ll have to look it up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gallnut → The word is formed from "gall" (from Old English *gealla*, meaning bile or gall) and "nut" (from Old English *hnutu*, meaning nut). A gallnut is a type of nut-like growth that occurs on trees, often caused by insects or fungi, which resembles a nut and is associated with the gall produced by the tree.

Memory Tip

Think of 'gall' as a reference to the bile-like substance and 'nut' as a nut-like growth. This helps you remember that a gallnut is a nut-like growth on trees.

Visually Confused Words