pitaya

American  

[pi-tahy-uh] / pɪˈtaɪ ə /

noun

1. any of several cacti of the genus Stenocereus, of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, bearing edible round or oval fruit usually having bumpy skin and juicy pulp filled with seeds.

2. the edible fruit of any of several cacti of the genus Stenocereus.

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Etymology

Origin of pitaya

First recorded in 1845–50; variant of pitahaya ( def. )

Example Sentences

Pitaya trees produce fruit multiple times a year, yet the flower blooms just once a year, and only at night, so it is quite a spectacle.

From Washington Post • Nov. 24, 2018

Pitaya, aka dragon fruit, is a staple in Central American diets, and now the bright magenta-hued fruit has made its way north.

From Time • Jul. 10, 2015

In 2011, Helms spotted Pitaya Plus, a $2.99 blend of pitaya and mango, and tracked down the company’s owner, a 34-year-old American named Chuck Casano.

From BusinessWeek • Sep. 6, 2012

In June, after five months of experimenting, Helms debuted the $8.45 Pink Pitaya Coco Blend—Thai coconut, banana, and pitaya.

From BusinessWeek • Sep. 6, 2012