simple fruit

American  

noun

1. a fruit formed from one pistil.

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simple fruit British  

noun

1. a fruit, such as a grape or cherry, that is formed from only one ovary

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simple fruit Scientific  

1. A fruit that develops from a single ovary in a single flower. Simple fruits may be fleshy or dry. There are three main kinds of fleshy simple fruit: the berry, the drupe, and the pome. Dry simple fruits are classified as dehiscent (splitting open to free the seeds, as in the milkweed and pea pod) and indehiscent (enclosing the seeds until after the fruit has left the plant, as in grains, nuts, and winged fruits like the maple).

2. Compare accessory fruit aggregate fruit multiple fruit

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Etymology

Origin of simple fruit

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

For such a seemingly simple fruit, the banana has a surprisingly complex genetic history.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 13, 2022

Toss together a simple fruit salad as a side.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 3, 2021

Although picking something up at the bakery is completely legit, you might consider planning a simple fruit dessert such as poached pears or baked apples.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2014

Crumbles are an easy way to turn simple fruit into a decadent, crispy dessert.

From New York Times • Oct. 12, 2010

In drooping spikes about 1 inch long and ½ inch in diameter; dark purplish-red, oblong, sweet and edible; apparently a simple fruit but really made up of the thickened calyx lobes of the spike.

From Handbook of the Trees of New England by Dame, Lorin Low