rose apple

noun

1
: any of several tropical plants (genus Syzygium of the family Myrtaceae) or their fruits: such as
a
: a small tropical tree (Syzygium jambos synonym Eugenia jambos) native to southeastern Asia that has long, glossy, evergreen leaves and creamy to greenish white flowers
also : its usually round to oval edible fruit with flesh having a roselike fragrance
b
: malay apple
e
: java plum
2
Australia : burdekin plum

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rose apple was in 1790

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Cite this Entry

“Rose apple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rose%20apple. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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