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

“True. The simple fruits of the earth. No. You needn’t bring any, William.”

From Literature

Toss together a simple fruit salad as a side.

From Seattle Times

Right now, it’s best served with a compote of figs and berries; other times of year, with whatever is in season, or a simple fruit coulis.

From New York Times

While Mr. Ansel believes “it’s hard to go wrong with apples -- it’s a very simple fruit to cook; it’s forgiving,” there are some mistakes he sees people making when working them into desserts.

From The Wall Street Journal