/pee"nut', -neuht/ , n.
1. the pod or the enclosed edible seed of the plant, Arachis hypogaea, of the legume family: the pod is forced underground in growing, where it ripens.
2. the plant itself.
3. any small or insignificant person or thing.
4. peanuts ,
a. Informal. a very small amount of money: working for peanuts.
b. Slang. barbiturates.
c. small pieces of Styrofoam used as a packing material.
adj.
5. of or pertaining to the peanut or peanuts.
6. made with or from peanuts.
7. Informal. small, insignificant, or petty.
[ 1790-1800, Amer.; PEA 1 + NUT ]