Reference: American Heritage Dictionary

co-co-nut also co-coa-nut (k k -n t , -n t) Scientific name: Cocos nucifera of the Family Arecaceae (palm family).  It is the only species in the genus Cocos, and is a large palm that grows to approximately 30 m tall, with pinnate leaves 4-6 m long, pinnae 60-90 cm long.

1. 1. The fruit of the coconut palm, consisting of a fibrous husk surrounding a large seed.
   2. The large, brown, hard-shelled seed of the coconut, containing white flesh surrounding a partially fluid-filled central cavity.
   3. The edible white flesh of the coconut, often shredded and used in food and confections or for the extraction of coconut oil.
   4. A coconut palm.