Hazel

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈheɪzÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -eɪzÉ™l

Origin

From Middle English, from Old English hæsel ("hazel, shrub"), from Proto-Germanic *hasalaz ("hazel"), from Proto-Indo-European *koselos ("hazel"). Cognate with Dutch hazelaar ("hazel"), German Hasel ("hazel"), Swedish hassel ("hazel"), Latin corulus, corylus ("hazel-tree, hazelwood"), Irish coll ("hazel").

Full definition of hazel

Noun

1. A tree or shrub of the genus Corylus, bearing edible nuts called hazelnuts or filberts.
2. The nut of the hazel tree.
3. The wood of a hazelnut tree.
4. A greenish-brown colour, the colour of a ripe hazelnut.
5. (mining) freestone

Synonyms

• (nut) filbert, hazelnut

Adjective

1. Of a greenish-brown colour. (often used to refer to eye colour)

Derived terms

• hazel grouse
• hazelnut
• witch hazel/wych hazel