Cantalupo

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A variety of muskmelon characterized by its sweet, aromatic flesh and netted rind that is often orange or green in color
2. A type of melon renowned for its juicy and flavorful interior, typically enjoyed fresh or in desserts
3. A popular fruit distinguished by its distinctively patterned skin and rich sweetness, often used in salads and beverages

Etymology: A papal summer estate in the hills northeast of Rome gave this melon its name. The Villa Cantalupo, a country residence of the popes, was known for its gardens, and according to a long-standing tradition, melons grown there came from seeds brought from Armenia. The fruit was prized enough that the estate's name became the name of the melon itself. The name passed into French as "cantaloup" and then into English, where the spelling settled into the familiar form. Nothing in the name describes the fruit's appearance or flavour. It is simply a place name, which is why a melon grown anywhere can be called a cantaloupe even though the Roman villa is the source.