Nūt'mēg, n.

n. [O. Eng. notomuge, O. Fr. noix muquette, for noix musquette, from Lat. muscus, musk; N. Fr. noix muscade, Sp. nuez moscada, Pg. noz moscada, It. noce moscada, L. Lat. muscata, nux muscata, also from Lat. muscus, musk. See MUSK.] (Bot.) The kernel of the fruit of the tree called Myristica moschata, or M. aromatica, a native of the Molucca islands, but cultivated in many parts of the East Indies. This fruit is a nearly spherical drupe, of the size of a pear, of a yellowish color without, and almost white within. This opens into two nearly equal, longitudinal valves, inclosing the nut surrounded by its arillus, which is mace. The nut is oval, the shell very hard, and dark-brown. This immediately envelops the kernel, which is the nutmeg, as commonly sold in the shops. The nutmeg is an aromatic, very grateful to the taste and smell, and much used in cookery.