nutmeg melon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A type of muskmelon: A variety of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) characterized by a rind with a raised, net-like pattern and sweet, aromatic, typically green or orange flesh. 2. The fruit of this vine: The edible fruit produced by the nutmeg melon plant.
Examples
- The nutmeg melon at the market had a beautiful, intricate netting on its skin.
- For dessert, we enjoyed slices of chilled nutmeg melon.
- This variety is sometimes called a nutmeg melon because of its spicy-sweet fragrance.
Advanced Usage
- The term nutmeg melon is often used interchangeably with some varieties of "netted melon" or "muskmelon," particularly those with green flesh. It is less common in modern commercial terminology, where specific cultivar names like "Galia" or certain types of "cantaloupe" (in American usage) are used.
Variants and Related Words
- Muskmelon (n): The broader species () to which the nutmeg melon belongs.
- Netted melon (n): A descriptive term for melons with a netted or reticulated rind, which includes the nutmeg melon.
- Cantaloupe (n): In some regions, particularly North America, this term is used for netted melons with orange flesh, which can overlap with the characteristics of a nutmeg melon.
Synonyms
- Netted muskmelon
- Fragrant melon (descriptive)
Notes on Different Meanings
- The name "nutmeg melon" refers specifically to the melon's aroma and flavor profile, which can be reminiscent of the spice nutmeg, not to any botanical relationship with the nutmeg tree.
Noun
- the fruit of a variety of muskmelon vine; a melon with netlike markings and deep green flesh
- a muskmelon vine with fruit that has a thin reticulated rind and sweet green flesh