nectarine

[ nek-tuh-reen, nek-tuh-reen ]

/ ˌnɛk təˈrin, ˈnɛk təˌrin /

noun

a variety or mutation of peach having a smooth, downless skin.

Nearby words

Origin of nectarine

First recorded in 1610–20; nectar + -ine¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for nectarine

It should be remarked that each variety of the nectarine has not derived its character from a corresponding variety of the peach.
The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2)|Charles Darwin
Also, the flesh of the nectarine is firmer and has a stronger flavor than that of the peach.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
The question is brought home to us when we ask what is a bud-sport, such as a nectarine appearing on a peach-tree?
Darwin and Modern Science|A.C. Seward and Others
The last-named is a delicious variety with a delicate flavour and externally somewhat resembles the nectarine.
Notes on Agriculture in Cyprus and Its Products|William Bevan

Another “sport” of great value was the nectarine, which was seized upon as it made its appearance on a peach bough.
Little Masterpieces of Science:|Various

British Dictionary definitions for nectarine

nectarine

/ (ˈnɛktərɪn) /

noun

a variety of peach tree, Prunus persica nectarina

the fruit of this tree, which has a smooth skin

Word Origin for nectarine

C17: apparently from nectar

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for nectarine

nectarine

type of peach with smooth skin, 1660s, noun use of adjective meaning "of or like nectar" (1610s; see nectar + -ine (1)). Probably inspired by German nektarpfirsich "nectar-peach." Earlier in English as nectrine.