1. Plural of bitterness; the nuts of a hickory tree (Carya cordiformis) native to North America, having a bitter taste.
Usage: Often used in botanical or regional contexts.; The singular form is 'bitternut' or 'bitternut hickory'.

Examples

• The bitternut hickory tree produces small, hard nuts that are not suitable for eating.
• Bitternuts are commonly found in forests throughout the eastern United States.
• Wildlife such as squirrels and deer may consume bitternuts despite their unpleasant taste.
• The wood of the bitternut hickory is valued for tool handles and smoking meat.
• Foresters can identify bitternut hickories by their distinctive buds and compound leaves.