/ ˈtʃesnʌt; NAmE / noun , adjective
■ noun
1.
(also ˈchestnut tree ) [ C ] a large tree with spreading branches, that produces smooth brown nuts inside cases which are covered with spikes . There are several types of chestnut tree.
—see also horse chestnut
2.
[ C ] a smooth brown nut of a chestnut tree, some types of which can be eaten :
roast chestnuts
—see also water chestnut
—compare conker
3.
[ U ] a deep reddish-brown colour
4.
[ C ] a horse of a reddish-brown colour
5.
old chestnut [ C ] ( informal ) an old joke or story that has been told so many times that it is no longer amusing or interesting
■ adjective
reddish-brown in colour
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WORD ORIGIN
early 16th cent.: from Old English chesten (from Old French chastaine , via Latin from Greek kastanea ) + nut .