chest·nut [chestnutchestnuts] noun, adjective BrE [ˈtʃesnʌt] NAmE [ˈtʃesnʌt] noun 1. (alsoˈchestnut tree)countable a large tree with spreading branches, that produces smooth brown nuts inside cases which are covered with ↑spikes. There are several types of chestnut tree. see also ↑horse chestnut 2. countable a smooth brown nut of a chestnut tree, some types of which can be eaten •roast chestnuts •The dessert was a rich mixture of chestnut purée and cream. see also ↑water chestnut compare ↑conker 3. uncountable a deep reddish-brown colour 4. countable a horse of a reddish-brown colour 5.old chestnut countable (informal)an old joke or story that has been told so many times that it is no longer amusing or interesting
Word Origin: early 16th cent.: from Old English chesten (from Old French chastaine, via Latin from Greek kastanea) + ↑nut.
adjective reddish-brown in colour
Word Origin: early 16th cent.: from Old English chesten (from Old French chastaine, via Latin from Greek kastanea) + ↑nut.
