Definition of pistachio

< pissoir

pistachio green >

pis·ta·chi·o    (p-stsh-, -stäsh-) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. pis·ta·chi·os

1. 1. A deciduous tree (Pistacia vera) of central and western Asia, having pinnately compound leaves and dry, drupaceous, nutlike fruits.
   2. The nutlike fruit of this tree, having an edible, oily, green or yellow kernel.
2. The flavor of these nuts.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Italian pistacchio, from Latin pistacium, pistachio nut, from Greek pistakion, from pistak, pistachio tree, perhaps from Middle Persian *pistak