chestnut

noun  C1
Plain meaning

a brown nut or a reddish-brown colour

Exam-register meaning

In academic or exam contexts, it means a brown nut or a reddish-brown colour, usually in a more formal register.

In context
naturalThe article mentioned chestnut as one of the main issues.
examThe author examines chestnut in relation to social change, public policy, and institutional responsibility.
Common collocations
a clear chestnutevidence of chestnutwidespread chestnut
Watch out
Do not use “chestnut” as a vague high-level replacement; make sure the sentence really needs this specific noun.
Quick check — can you use it?

The passage focuses on  ______  as a key theme in the debate.

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