Definition

Noun 1. A fuzzy, brown, egg-shaped fruit with slightly tart green flesh: This is the edible fruit of a specific vine. It is commonly known by another name in many parts of the world. 2. A climbing vine native to China; cultivated in New Zealand for its fuzzy edible fruit with green flesh: This is the plant that produces the fruit described in the first definition.

Examples

• As the fruit (Definition 1):
  • The salad was topped with slices of Chinese gooseberry.
  • She bought a kilo of Chinese gooseberries at the market.
• As the plant (Definition 2):
  • The Chinese gooseberry vine requires a sturdy trellis to support its growth.
  • Farmers have cultivated the Chinese gooseberry extensively in New Zealand.

Advanced Usage

• The term "Chinese gooseberry" is the original common name for this fruit. However, for marketing purposes in the mid-20th century, New Zealand exporters began calling it by the name of their national bird. Today, the name kiwifruit (or simply kiwi) is far more common globally. Using "Chinese gooseberry" can sound dated or specifically refer to the historical or botanical context.

Variants and Related Words

• Kiwifruit / Kiwi: The modern, commercially prevalent name for the fruit of the Chinese gooseberry vine.
• Actinidia deliciosa: The formal botanical name for the most common cultivated species of Chinese gooseberry/kiwifruit plant.

Synonyms

• For the fruit: Kiwifruit, kiwi.
• For the plant: Kiwi vine.

Notes on Meaning

• The two definitions are intrinsically linked: the first defines the fruit, and the second defines the plant that bears that fruit. The term can refer to either, with context usually making the meaning clear.
• It is important to distinguish this from the true gooseberry (genus ), which is a different, smaller, and often translucent berry native to Europe, North America, and Asia. The "Chinese gooseberry" is not botanically related to true gooseberries.

Noun

1. fuzzy brown egg-shaped fruit with slightly tart green flesh
2. climbing vine native to China; cultivated in New Zealand for its fuzzy edible fruit with green meat