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

Example Sentences

From a vine clambering up the grape arbor trellies, in the fall of the year, hung numerous orange-colored balsam apples, which opened, when ripe, disclosing bright crimson interior and seeds.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg