'cashew' originates from Portuguese, specifically the word 'caju', which was derived from the Tupi word 'acajú', where 'a-' meant 'fruit' and 'cajú' referred to the cashew tree.

'caju' transformed into the English word 'cashew' through Portuguese influence during the Age of Exploration.

Initially, it referred to the cashew tree and its fruit, but over time it evolved to primarily refer to the nut itself.