butternut

1. 1. An eastern North American walnut (Juglans cinerea) having light-brown wood, pinnately compound leaves, and a deeply furrowed nut enclosed in an egg-shaped, sticky, aromatic husk. Also called white walnut.
   2. The nut of this tree, having an edible sweet kernel.
   3. The wood of this tree, used for furniture, boxes, and interior finishes.
   4. The bark of this tree.
   5. A brownish dye obtained from the husks of the fruits of this tree.
2. 1. butternuts Clothing dyed with butternut extract, especially the uniforms of Confederate soldiers in the Civil War.
   2. Informal. A Confederate soldier or partisan in the Civil War.
3. See souari nut.

[From the nut's oiliness.]

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White walnut, fruit of the native N. American tree Juglans cinerea.

This native American nut grows in New England and is also known as the white walnut. It has a rich, oily meat which is generally used in candies and baked goods. Because of the high oil content, butternuts become rancid quickly. See also nuts; walnut.

A moderately soft, medium-textured, low-density wood of light to pale brown color. The walnut-like grain is used particularly for decorative veneer.