Definition

Noun: * A variety or mutation of the peach (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) that bears fruit with a smooth, fuzzless skin and (usually) yellow flesh. The tree is identical in appearance to a peach tree, distinguished only by the genetic trait for smooth-skinned fruit.

Examples

• The nectarine tree in our backyard produces an abundant harvest every summer.
• Unlike a peach, a fruit from a nectarine tree has a glossy, smooth surface.
• She planted a nectarine tree next to the patio for its beautiful spring blossoms and delicious fruit.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and horticultural contexts, the nectarine tree is not a separate species but a cultivar or natural mutation of the peach. The trait for smooth skin is a recessive allele.
• The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe a source of something sweet and desirable without external roughness or difficulty.
  • His innovative mind was a nectarine tree of brilliant ideas.

Variants and Related Words

• Nectarine (n.): The smooth-skinned stone fruit produced by the nectarine tree.
• Peach tree (n.): The parent tree from which the nectarine tree is derived, bearing fuzzy-skinned fruit.
• Stone fruit tree (n.): A broader category (Prunus genus) that includes nectarine, peach, plum, cherry, and apricot trees.

Synonyms

• Smooth-skinned peach tree
• var. (botanical name)

Related Phrases

• To grow/cultivate a nectarine tree: To plant and care for this type of tree.
• Nectarine orchard: A cultivated area containing multiple nectarine trees.

Noun

1. variety or mutation of the peach bearing fruit with smooth skin and (usually) yellow flesh