balsam apple

American  

noun

1. a climbing Old World tropical vine, Momordica balsamina, of the gourd family.

2. the orange, ovoid, warty fruit of this vine.

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balsam apple British  

noun

1. an ornamental cucurbitaceous vine, Momordica balsamina , of the Old World tropics, with yellow flowers and orange egg-shaped fruits

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Etymology

Origin of balsam apple

First recorded in 1570–80

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

balsam apple

Cut a ripe balsam apple in small pieces, and fill a bottle with it; pour Holland gin on it.

From Domestic Cookery, Useful Receipts, and Hints to Young Housekeepers by Elizabeth E. (Elizabeth Ellicott) Lea

Avoiding the direct, questioning gaze that his companion turned on him at this, the judge reached forward and touched a ripe balsam apple that dangled in front of him.

From The Escape of Mr. Trimm His Plight and other Plights by Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb

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