persimmon

views updated Jun 08 2018

per·sim·mon / pərˈsimən/ • n. 1. an edible fruit that resembles a large tomato and has very sweet flesh. 2. the tree (genus Diospyros, family Ebenaceae) that yields this fruit, related to ebony. Its several species include the North American D. virginiana, an evergreen with dark red fruit, and the Japanese persimmon (D. kaki), cultivated for its orange fruit.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

persimmon

views updated May 21 2018

persimmon Any of several types of tree of the genus Diospyros. It produces reddish-orange fruit, which is sour and astringent until ripe. Species include the North American persimmon (D. virginiana) and the Japanese persimmon (D. kaki). Family Ebenaceae.

World Encyclopedia

persimmon

views updated May 18 2018

persimmon Fruit of Diospyros virginiana (American persimmon or Virginia date) and D. kaki (Japanese persimmon, date plum, or kaki). Kaki may be eaten raw or cooked; American persimmon develops a sour flavour if cooked.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

persimmon

views updated Jun 27 2018

persimmon See DIOSPYROS.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

persimmon

views updated May 23 2018

persimmon XVII. of Algonquian orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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