Pomegranate

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈpɒmɪ(ˌ)ɡɹænɪt/

Definitions

1. A round fruit with tough reddish skin containing numerous seeds surrounded by sweet-tart, ruby-colored juice sacs
2. A large spherical fruit featuring a leathery crimson exterior and numerous juice-filled seed chambers with tart-sweet flavor
3. An ornamental seeded fruit with thick rind and many arils containing acidic-sweet liquid encasing hard kernels

Etymology: The story of this fruit's name begins in Latin, where it was called "pomum granatum." Literally, this means "seeded apple," a fitting description for a fruit packed with vibrant red seeds. The Latin "pomum" referred broadly to any fruit with a core or apple-like shape, while "granatum" derived from "granum," meaning "grain" or "seed," highlighting the abundance of seeds inside. This term passed into Old French as "pome grenate," retaining much of its original form and meaning. English borrowed the word in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century, adapting it into the current form. The compound nature of the name—combining the idea of an apple-like fruit with many seeds—provides a window into how people historically categorized unfamiliar plants by drawing analogies with familiar ones. Interestingly, the association with "apple" in the name does not mean the fruit is closely related to apples botanically. Instead, this reflects a common medieval practice of labeling new fruits by likening them to apples, which were the standard reference point for round, fleshy fruits at the time. The pomegranate's significance extends beyond language. It has held symbolic meaning in various cultures, often representing fertility, abundance, and even resurrection due to its prolific seeds. The name’s literalness—"seeded apple"—mirrors this cultural emphasis on its seeds as symbols of life and potential.

Synonyms: grenade, fruit, seed