Nutmeg Meaning
/ˈnʌt.mɛɡ/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAn evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans) cultivated in the East Indies for its spicy seeds.
nounThe aromatic seed of this tree, used as a spice., The powdered seed, ready for use.
Sentence Examples
I need some nutmeg.
Salt and pepper completely and add a dash of nutmeg.
CEFR Practice Quiz
To add a warm, sweet flavor to the cake, the baker grated some fresh ____ over the batter.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A pinch of grated ____ adds a warm, spicy flavor to the traditional holiday eggnog.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English notemege, notemuge, a partial translation of Medieval Latin nux muga, a variant of Medieval Latin nux muscata (“musky nut”). Compare also Old French nois mugede. For the term used in various ball sports, see Wikipedia.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The same applied to Loftus-Cheek, who grew into the game after a quiet start and even had the impudence to slip the ball through Marcel Halstenberg’s legs in the first half. Nutmegs aside, Loftus-Cheek also came up with one of England’s best passes of the night, sending Jamie Vardy through the middle at the end of the first half."
— 2017 November 10, Daniel Taylor, “Youthful England earn draw with Germany but Lingard rues late miss”, in The Guardian (London):
"Barcelona did not just out play them, they emphatically put them in their place during that opening 45 minutes when Luis Suárez scored twice, Dani Alves struck the crossbar, Lionel Messi nutmegged David Silva and Manuel Pellegrini’s team stumbled to the interval like a side in need of smelling salts rather than half-time oranges."
— 2015 February 24, Daniel Taylor, “Luis Suárez strikes twice as Barcelona teach Manchester City a lesson”, in The Guardian (London):
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
To add a warm, sweet flavor to the cake, the baker grated some fresh ____ over the batter.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A pinch of grated ____ adds a warm, spicy flavor to the traditional holiday eggnog.