'cashew' originates from Portuguese, specifically the word 'caju,' which in turn comes from Tupi-Guarani 'acajú.'

'cashew' entered English from Portuguese (and Spanish) 'caju' after European contact with Brazil; the Tupi-Guarani word 'acajú' was adopted into Portuguese and later adapted into English as 'cashew.'

Initially the indigenous word referred to the tree and its fruit in Tupi-Guarani; over time English usage came to focus especially on the edible seed (the nut).