star apple

noun

1. the edible fruit of a West Indian tree, Chrysophyllum cainito, of the sapodilla family, which when cut across exhibits a star-shaped figure within.
2. the tree itself.

star-apple

noun

1. a West Indian sapotaceous tree, Chrysophyllum cainito , with smooth-skinned edible greenish-purple fruit
2. the fruit of this tree which, when cut across, reveals a star-shaped arrangement of seeds

Word History and Origins

Origin of star apple¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

The star-apple is so called because when cut through transversely its centre presents the figure of a star.

From Project Gutenberg

Seemann1415 saw the star apple wild in several places in the Isthmus of Panama.

From Project Gutenberg

The star apple is so called because, when cut in half, a star appears in the centre.

From Project Gutenberg

Star-apple, chrysophyllum cainito, belongs to the monogynia order, and petandria class of plants.

From Project Gutenberg