Litchi

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈliːt͡ʃiː/

Definitions

1. A fruit from the tropical regions that features a bumpy, red exterior, offering a fresh and sweet taste inside
2. This small, tropical delicacy has a textured outer skin and is known for its juicy sweetness that makes it highly enjoyable
3. A tropical fruit characterized by its rough red rind and juicy, sweet, translucent interior

Etymology: The fruit now sold as litchi was named in southern China long before any English speaker tasted it. Its name comes from the Hokkien pronunciation of 荔枝, lē-chi, the Chinese characters for a tree and fruit that grew in the southern provinces. English took the name in several spellings, and litchi is one of the three that survive: the others are lichi and lychee. All three descend from the same source, so they are doublets, forms of one word that arrived by different routes or at different times. The variety in spelling reflects the uncertainty of an unfamiliar word passing into a new language. Speakers rendered an unfamiliar sound in whatever letters seemed closest, and each spelling then took on a life of its own. The result is a single fruit name carried in three forms, each with its own supporters, rather than one settled English form.

Synonyms: lychee