Oranges

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɔɹ(ɪ)nd͡ʒɪz/

Definitions

1. A round citrus fruit characterized by its bright color and sweet flavor is often enjoyed fresh or as a juice, known for its nutritious benefits and versatility in cooking
2. This popular fruit, notable for its tangy sweetness and rich vitamin C, is commonly consumed in various forms, including whole and juiced, and is a culinary favorite
3. A round, juicy fruit with a vibrant hue is celebrated for its sweet and tangy taste, frequently enjoyed whole or in juice form, and recognized for its health benefits

Etymology: The fruit was named for a place, or rather a place name was mistaken for a fruit's name. In the 13th century "Orange" was already a surname, taken from a town in southern France, and the fruit did not reach English until the late 14th century. The English word came through Old French "pome orenge," meaning "fruit orange," with the town's name shaping its spelling. The town's name has nothing to do with the fruit, and the fruit's name has nothing to do with the town. The fruit itself travelled a long way. Its ultimate source is a Sanskrit word for the orange tree, "nāraṅga," which passed through Persian and Arabic before reaching Italy. Italians described it as "melarancio," a compound of "mela," meaning apple, and the word for orange, and French and Occitan speakers took the idea from them. The colour came later. English speakers called the colour "geolurēad," meaning yellow-red, until the fruit's name took over in 1510.

Synonyms: citrus, fruit