pomegranate

American  

[pom-gran-it, pom-i-, puhm-] / ˈpɒmˌgræn ɪt, ˈpɒm ɪ-, ˈpʌm- /

noun

1. a chambered, many-seeded, globose fruit, having a tough, usually red rind and surmounted by a crown of calyx lobes, the edible portion consisting of pleasantly acid flesh developed from the outer seed coat.

2. the shrub or small tree, Punica granatum, that bears it, native to southwestern Asia but widely cultivated in warm regions.

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pomegranate British  

/ ˈpɒmˌɡrænɪt, ˈpɒmɪˌɡrænɪt /

noun

1. an Asian shrub or small tree, Punica granatum, cultivated in semitropical regions for its edible fruit: family Punicaceae

2. the many-chambered globular fruit of this tree, which has tough reddish rind, juicy red pulp, and many seeds

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Etymology

Origin of pomegranate

1275–1325; Middle English poumgarnet, pomegarnade (< Old French pome grenate, pome gernete ), representing Medieval Latin pōmum grānātum literally, seedy apple. See pome, grenade

Explanation

A pomegranate is a large, red-skinned fruit with delicious, juicy seeds. Eating a pomegranate can be messy. You can probably find a pomegranate at a large grocery store in the produce section. It won't look very enticing, with its rough, leathery peel, but once you cut it open and pop out the ruby red seeds, you'll understand why it's many people's favorite fruit. The Latin root of pomegranate is pomum granatum, literally "apple with many seeds." Pome means "apple," and granatum comes from the Latin word for "seed or grain," granum.

Example Sentences

Pomegranate molasses, which is tangy and lightly fruity, is optional but gives the fattoush complexity and a distinct Middle Eastern character.

From Washington Times • Sep. 8, 2023

The staff partnered with L.A.-based tea importer Art of Tea to curate a list of tea that includes Earl Grey Crème, Green Pomegranate, French Lemon Ginger and Summer Peach.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2023

I admit that I have a flaming passion for the punch varieties like Superbells Grape Punch, Pomegranate Punch and Black Currant Punch.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2022

This one's a given, because it's the sink, of course, but lately I've been loving Dawn Pomegranate and Rose Water dish soap.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2021

I used her Pomegranate Shampoo with Giga-Volumizing Power once, and when I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman

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