Definition

Noun: 1. The edible fruit of certain passionflower vines: A tropical or subtropical fruit, typically egg-shaped or round, with a tough outer rind and a juicy, seedy interior pulp. It is known for its aromatic and sweet-tart flavor. 2. The plant bearing this fruit: Refers to the vine, specifically varieties of the genus Passiflora, that produces this fruit.

Usage Examples

• As a countable noun for the fruit itself:
  • She cut the passion fruit in half and scooped out the seeds with a spoon.
  • The recipe calls for three ripe passion fruits.
• Referring to the flavor or product:
  • This yogurt has a delicious passion fruit flavor.
  • I ordered a passion fruit mojito.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or culinary contexts: The term is used to specify the fruit from the species and its cultivars, distinguishing it from other, often ornamental, passionflower species.
  • The purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is more common in cooler climates than the yellow variety.

Variants and Related Words

• Passionflower (n): The name for the vine and its distinctive flower that produces the passion fruit.
• Granadilla (n): A common name for some types of passion fruit, particularly , which has a harder shell.

Synonyms

• Maracuja: A name for passion fruit used in many countries, derived from Portuguese.
• Lilikoi: The Hawaiian name for passion fruit.

Notes on Meaning

• The name "passion" in passion fruit derives from the passionflower's floral parts, which Spanish Christian missionaries in South America saw as symbols of the Passion of Christ (the crucifixion). The name relates to the flower, not to strong emotion.

Noun

1. egg-shaped tropical fruit of certain passionflower vines; used for sherbets and confectionery and drinks