Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tropical fruit: A custard apple is the fruit of several tropical American trees belonging to the genus Annona. It has a soft, sweet, edible pulp.
   • A tropical tree: A custard apple is also any of the several tropical American trees that bear this fruit.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Fruit):
  • The custard apple has a unique, sweet flavor.
  • She bought a ripe custard apple from the market.
• Noun (Tree):
  • The custard apple tree in our garden is bearing fruit this year.
  • These custard apples are native to tropical regions.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective term: "Custard apple" is sometimes used as a common name for fruits of the genus, which includes varieties like the sugar apple () and the cherimoya ().
  • In some countries, the cherimoya is also called a custard apple.

Variants and Related Words

• Annona: The botanical genus name for custard apple trees.
• Sugar apple: A specific type of custard apple ().
• Cherimoya: Another specific type of custard apple ().
• Soursop: A related fruit from the same genus (), sometimes confused with custard apple.

Synonyms

• Bullock's heart (for , a specific type of custard apple).
• Sweet apple (regional name).

Notes on Meaning

• The term "custard apple" primarily refers to the fruit, known for its creamy, custard-like texture. The secondary meaning refers to the tree that produces this fruit. The specific appearance and taste can vary between different species within the genus.

Noun

1. the fruit of any of several tropical American trees of the genus Annona having soft edible pulp
2. any of several tropical American trees bearing fruit with soft edible pulp