cherimoya

[ cher-uh-moi-uh ]

noun

1. a tropical American tree, Annona cherimola, having leaves with velvety, hairy undersides and yellow-to-brown fragrant flowers.
2. the large, edible fruit of this tree, having leathery, scalelike skin and soft pulp.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cherimoya¹

First recorded in 1730–40; from Latin American Spanish chirimoya, name of the fruit; of uncertain origin; alleged analysis as Quechua chiri “cold” + muyu “wheel, circle” is probably spurious

Example Sentences

Every garden in the Orange Belt should have a cherimoya tree for ornament and for its fruit.

From Project Gutenberg