Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small dried seedless raisin: A type of small, dark, dried grape, traditionally grown in the Mediterranean region and California, used primarily in baking and cooking.
   • A deciduous shrub of the genus Ribes: Any of various shrubs that bear small, edible berries.
   • A tart red or black berry: The small, acidic fruit of these Ribes shrubs, used chiefly for making jellies, jams, sauces, and desserts.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Dried Fruit):
  • The recipe calls for a cup of currants in the scones.
  • Zante currants are often used in fruitcakes and puddings.
• Noun (Berry/Bush):
  • She planted a red currant bush in her garden.
  • The currants were harvested to make a tart jelly.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Distinction from Raisins: The word "currant" for the dried fruit is a specific type of raisin, not to be confused with the fresh berry. The context usually clarifies the meaning.
• "Blackcurrant" vs. "Currant": In many contexts, especially British English, "blackcurrant" specifically refers to the berry of the shrub, which is distinct from the red or white currant berries.
• Figurative Use: Rarely, "currant" can be used to describe something very small, akin to the size of the berry.
  • A currant of light shone in the distance.

Variants and Related Words

• Blackcurrant (n): A specific variety of currant shrub bearing dark purple-black berries, known for its strong, tart flavor and high vitamin C content.
• Redcurrant (n): A variety of currant shrub bearing translucent red berries.
• White currant (n): A cultivar of the redcurrant with pale yellow berries.
• Currant bush (n): The shrub that produces currant berries.

Synonyms

• For the dried fruit: Zante currant, Corinth raisin, dried grape.
• For the berry: Berry (specific types: redcurrant, blackcurrant).

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Currant jelly: A clear, tart jelly made from currant berries.
  • The roast was served with a side of currant jelly.
• Currant bun: A sweet bun containing dried currants.
  • He bought a currant bun for his afternoon tea.

Noun

1. small dried seedless raisin grown in the Mediterranean region and California; used in cooking
2. any of various deciduous shrubs of the genus Ribes bearing currants
3. any of several tart red or black berries used primarily for jellies and jams