Definition of coconut

The word "coconut" has its origins in ancient Sanskrit where it was called "kakava" or "she-oyster," which referred to the shell's resemblance to that of an oyster and the coconut being a female fruit. As the coconut passed through different cultures and languages, its name changed. The Portuguese called it "coco," which means "head" or "face" because of the three "eyes" on the coconut, making it look like a face. In Spanish, it is called "coco" meaning "monkey," due to its likeness to the monkey's face. The English also embraced the Portuguese word "coco," but used it with the suffix "nut" since coconut's kernel resembles a nut. Overall, the word "coconut" has an interesting etymological history with multiple influences from the different cultures that interacted with this popular fruit.