grape-fruit

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, round citrus fruit: "grapefruit" refers to a subtropical citrus fruit known for its sour to semi-sweet taste, with yellow rind and segmented, juicy pulp. It is typically larger than an orange.
   • The tree that bears this fruit: The evergreen tree (Citrus × paradisi) that produces grapefruits.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She peeled a grapefruit for breakfast. (A specific citrus fruit.)
  • The grapefruit tree in the garden is laden with fruit. (The plant itself.)

Advanced Usage

• "grapefruit juice": a beverage made from the fruit.

  • He drank fresh grapefruit juice every morning for its vitamin C. (A juice made from the fruit.)

• "grapefruit segment": a single piece of the fruit's pulp.

  • Add a few grapefruit segments to the salad for a tangy flavour. (Individual pieces of the fruit.)

Variants and Related Words

• Grapefruit (n): the standard spelling; "grape-fruit" is a hyphenated variant.
  • Grapefruit is often eaten with sugar to reduce its bitterness. (The fruit itself.)

Synonyms

• Pomelo: a larger, milder relative of grapefruit.
• Citrus: a broader category that includes grapefruit.

Related Idioms

• "To be a grapefruit": (informal, rare) used metaphorically to describe something large, round, or sour in nature.
  • The problem was a real grapefruit—hard to cut through. (A difficult or sour issue.)