strawberry tomato

American  

noun

1. the small, edible, tomato-like fruit of the plant Physalis pruinosa, of the nightshade family.

2. the plant itself.

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strawberry tomato British  

noun

1. a tropical solanaceous annual plant, Physalis peruviana, having bell-shaped whitish-yellow flowers and small edible round yellow berries

2. a similar and related plant, Physalis pubescens

3. the fruit of either of these plants, eaten fresh or made into preserves and pickles

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Etymology

Origin of strawberry tomato

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Below are two of their favorites: a salad of Tuscan-inspired grilled zucchini and a strawberry tomato soda, which Dave developed with Yellow Rose’s bar manager, Larissa Ciancarelli.

From New York Times • Jul. 20, 2021

The similar Philadelphia species was formerly cultivated for its "strawberry tomato."

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje