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

The garden balsam is an annual plant, Impatiens balsamina, and the balsam apple is the fruit of Momordica balsamina, nat. order Cucurbitaceae.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 2 "Baconthorpe" to "Bankruptcy" by Various

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 Lea, Elizabeth E. (Elizabeth Ellicott)

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 Cobb, Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury)