Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of cherry tree: The marasca is a specific, bitter wild cherry tree native to the Dalmatian region. Its fruit is used to produce a distinctive liqueur.
   • The fruit of this tree: The marasca is also the small, bitter cherry itself, which is the key ingredient for maraschino liqueur.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to the tree):
  • The marasca is prized for its distinctive fruit.
  • They cultivated a small grove of marasca trees.
• Noun (referring to the fruit):
  • The liqueur is made from fermented marasca.
  • The recipe calls for the juice of fresh marascas.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or culinary contexts: The term is used precisely to denote the specific plant species ( var. ) or its fruit, distinguishing it from other cherry varieties.
  • True maraschino liqueur must be distilled from marasca.

Variants and Related Words

• Maraschino (n): The liqueur made from marasca cherries.
  • He added a splash of maraschino to the cocktail.
• Marasca cherry (n phrase): A fuller name for the fruit or tree.
  • The garnish was a genuine marasca cherry.

Synonyms

• Bitter cherry: A descriptive synonym, though less specific to the Dalmatian variety.
• Wild cherry: A broader term that may include the marasca.

Notes

• The word "marasca" is intrinsically linked to "maraschino." The liqueur is named for the fruit, not the other way around. The primary meaning of "marasca" is the botanical source.

Noun

1. Dalmatian bitter wild cherry tree bearing fruit whose juice is made into maraschino liqueur
2. small bitter fruit of the marasca cherry tree from whose juice maraschino liqueur is made