1. Edible legume seed that develops underground in tan pods, typically two per pod with reddish-brown skins; commonly eaten raw, roasted, or made into peanut butter
   "In some regions, peanuts are commonly called goobers";
   - earthnut, goober [US, informal], goober pea [US], groundnut [Brit], monkey nut [Brit]
    
2. Widely cultivated American plant cultivated in tropical and warm regions; showy yellow flowers on stalks that bend over to the soil so that seed pods ripen underground
   "Peanut plants covered the farmer's field in neat rows"; "peanut vine plants covered the farmer's field in neat rows";
   - peanut vine, Arachis hypogaea
    
3. [US, informal] A young child who is small for their age
   "Despite being a peanut, the boy was quick and agile on the soccer field"

1. Of little importance, influence or power; of minor status
   "peanut politicians";
   - insignificant

Derived forms: peanuts

See also: minor

Type of: child, edible nut, kid [informal], kiddie [informal], kiddy [informal], legume, leguminous plant, minor, nestling [informal], nipper [informal], nut, shaver [informal], small fry [informal], tiddler [Brit, informal], tike [informal], tyke [informal], wean [UK, Ireland, dialect], youngster

Part of: Arachis, genus Arachis

Encyclopedia: Peanut, California