Nut (?), n. [OE. nute, note, AS. hnutu; akin to D. noot, G. nuss, OHG.
nuz, Icel. hnot, Sw. nöt, Dan. nöd.]
1. (Bot.) The fruit of certain trees and shrubs (as of the almond,
walnut, hickory, beech, filbert, etc.), consisting of a hard and
indehiscent shell inclosing a kernel.
2. A perforated block (usually a small piece of metal), provided with
an internal or female screw thread, used on a bolt, or screw, for
tightening or holding something, or for transmitting motion. See
Illust. of lst Bolt.