Kiwifruits

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of edible fruit that is oval in shape and has a brownish-green skin, typically with bright green or yellow flesh and tiny black seeds inside; it is known for its sweet and tangy flavor and is often consumed fresh or used in desserts and salads
2. A small, kiwi-like fruit characterized by a fuzzy exterior and vibrant flesh that can be enjoyed raw or incorporated into various culinary dishes, celebrated for its unique taste and nutritional benefits; also called Chinese gooseberry in some regions
3. An oval fruit with brown textured skin and bright green or yellow pulp, known for its refreshing tart-sweet flavor, often eaten raw, in smoothies, or used as a garnish in various recipes featuring fruits or desserts

Etymology: "Kiwifruits" is simply the plural of "kiwifruit", so the story belongs to the singular. The fruit grew wild in China, but the name was a marketing decision made in New Zealand. Exporters there picked "kiwi," the nickname of the flightless bird that is the national emblem, as a trade name for one of several varieties the country had selectively bred. The bird's name was itself used for New Zealanders, so the fruit was labelled as coming from that country and its people. The compound is therefore a plain one: "Kiwi," meaning "of or from New Zealand," joined to "fruit." The brown, hairy fruit had been known in China under other names before New Zealand breeders developed it, and the export name is what carried it to the wider world. The fuzzy green flesh is a feature of the commercial variety, which is why the name refers to a place of origin rather than to any quality of the fruit itself.

Synonyms: kiwis, Chinese gooseberries