An almond is an oval-shaped seed from the almond tree, often eaten as a nut or used to make milk, oil, and flavorings. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a firm texture.
From Old French *almande* or *amande*, from Late Latin *amandula*, from Latin *amygdala*, from Greek *amygdalē* “almond.” The initial *l* in English spelling was added by confusion with similar words.
Almond’s spelling hides a history of mis-hearings and mix-ups, which is why many speakers don’t pronounce the ‘l’ at all. Its ancient Greek name, *amygdala*, is also the name of the brain region that handles fear and emotion—named for its almond shape.
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