durian

or du·ri·on

[ door-ee-uhn, -ahn ]

noun

1. the edible fruit of a tree, Durio zibethinus, of the bombax family, of southeastern Asia, having a hard, prickly rind, a highly flavored, pulpy flesh, and an unpleasant odor.
2. the tree itself.

durian

/ ˈdjʊərɪən /

noun

1. a SE Asian bombacaceous tree, Durio zibethinus, having very large oval fruits with a hard spiny rind containing seeds surrounded by edible evil-smelling aril
2. the fruit of this tree, which has an offensive smell but a pleasant taste: supposedly an aphrodisiac

Word History and Origins

Origin of durian¹

1580–90; < Malay: a fruit with spiky skin, equivalent to duri thorn + -an nominalizer suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of durian¹

C16: from Malay, from duri thorn

Example Sentences

The licorice discourse is more like those around durian or Marmite, foods that have strong, pungent flavors that people either love or hate.

From Eater

Native to Southeast Asia, and wildly revered, durian is often labeled an “exotic” fruit.

From Washington Post

Once I even got a Durian—Asian fruit notorious for smelling like a sweaty sock—which did not make me popular that month.

From The Daily Beast

The durian (Durio zibethinus) is also peculiar to the Malayan countries.

From Project Gutenberg

We bought yesterday in Penang a durian, which we experimented upon to-day.

From Project Gutenberg

These durians are not to be surpassed— Ta lawan-lah buah durian ini.

From Project Gutenberg

The durian seeds, when roasted, make an excellent substitute for chestnuts.

From Project Gutenberg

Marched in a south direction and crossed Ayer Tubbu, passing a number of durian trees on its bank.

From Project Gutenberg