Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small deciduous Eurasian tree (Mespilus germanica) cultivated for its fruit: A tree native to Europe and Asia, known for its edible fruit that resembles a small, brown apple.
   • The fruit of this tree: A crabapple-like fruit, brown and often eaten when overripe or bletted (softened by frost or storage).
   • A South African fruit (Vangueria infausta): A different, globular fruit with brown leathery skin and sweet-acid pithy flesh, from a small deciduous tree.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Eurasian tree or fruit):
• Noun (South African fruit):

Advanced Usage

• "Bletted medlar": Refers to the state of the Eurasian medlar fruit when it is softened, often by frost or storage, making it edible and sweet.

Variants and Related Words

• Mespilus germanica: The botanical name for the Eurasian medlar tree.
• Vangueria infausta: The botanical name for the South African medlar or wild medlar tree.
• Medlar tree: A common term for the tree itself.

Synonyms

• Crabapple (for the resemblance of the Eurasian fruit, though they are different species).
• Wild medlar (specifically for the South African fruit).

Different Meanings

• The primary meaning refers to the Eurasian tree and its fruit ().
• A secondary, distinct meaning refers to the South African tree and its fruit (), which is not closely related but shares the common name.

Noun

1. crabapple-like fruit used for preserves
2. a South African globular fruit with brown leathery skin and pithy flesh having a sweet-acid taste
3. small deciduous Eurasian tree cultivated for its fruit that resemble crab apples
4. small deciduous tree of southern Africa having edible fruit