‖ pistacia
(pɪˈsteɪʃ(ɪ)ə)
[L. pistācia pistachio tree (Pallad.), f. Gr. πιστάκη: see prec.]
The pistachio tree = prec. 1 b; in Bot. the name (adopted by Linnæus 1737) of the genus to which the Pistachio tree belongs, including also the Mastic-tree and the Terebinth; the species are sometimes collectively called turpentine-trees.
| c 1420 Pallad. on Husb. iv. 685 Pistacia is graffed now to growe In cold lond. 1698 Fryer Acc. E. India & P. 255 The Pistacia sends forth its Branches on high, and renders its Nuts edible in Autumn. 1760 J. Lee Introd. Bot. App. 323 Pistacia, Hazel-leaved, Hamamelis. 1871 H. Macmillan True Vine v. (1872) 197 The Pistacia grows abundantly in the south of France, but it yields no mastic. |
† b. = prec. 1 a, pistachio nut. Obs.
| 1581 Marbeck Bk. of Notes 382 Nuts, dates, fine white bread, honnie and Pistacia. 1583 Rates of Customs D vij, Pistacia the pound vi d. |
c. Comb., as pistacia nut, pistacia tree: see prec. 3.
| 1760 J. Lee Introd. Bot. App. 323 Pistacia Nut... Pistacia⁓tree. 1876 Harley Mat. Med. (ed. 6) 662 Pistacia nut tree extends from Syria to Bokhara and Cabul. |