Acorn
Acorn
Acorn (/ˈeɪ.kɔːrn/), also known as oak nut, is a nut produced by the oak tree (Quercus genus), a species in the family Fagaceae.
Etymology
The term "acorn" is derived from the Old English word "æcern", which had a more general sense of "any nut".
Description
Acorns are typically 1–6 cm long and 0.8–4 cm broad. They contain a single seed (rarely two seeds), enclosed in a tough, leathery shell, and borne in a cup-shaped cupule. Acorns vary from round to elongate and from smooth to rough, depending on the species of oak.
Uses
Acorns serve as a food source for a variety of wildlife, such as squirrels and jays, who store them for later consumption. Humans have also historically used acorns as a food source, particularly in times of scarcity. They are also used in some traditional medicines.
Related Terms
- Oak: The tree that produces acorns.
- Cupule: The cup-shaped structure that houses the acorn.
- Quercus: The genus of trees and shrubs that includes the oaks.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acorn
- Wikipedia's article - Acorn
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