Definition

Noun: 1. A small tropical American tree (Annona muricata): A tree species native to tropical regions of the Americas, known for its distinctive fruit. 2. The large, succulent, slightly acid fruit of this tree: The edible fruit produced by the Annona muricata tree, characterized by its green, spiky rind, soft, white, fibrous pulp, and tangy flavor. This fruit is also commonly known as soursop, guanábana, or graviola.

Usage Examples

• Referring to the tree:
  • The prickly custard apple tree in our garden finally bore fruit this year.
  • Farmers are cultivating prickly custard apple for its medicinal properties.
• Referring to the fruit:
  • The flesh of the prickly custard apple is often used to make refreshing juices and smoothies.
  • She bought a ripe prickly custard apple from the market to try its unique flavor.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in botanical and agricultural contexts or in regions where the fruit is cultivated. In everyday international English, the names soursop or guanábana are more frequently encountered.
• It can be used attributively (as an adjective) to describe products derived from the fruit.
  • prickly custard apple juice
  • prickly custard apple leaves (often used in herbal teas)

Variants and Related Words

• Soursop (n): The most common English name for the fruit of the tree.
• Guanábana (n): The Spanish-derived name commonly used in Latin America and many English-speaking regions.
• Graviola (n): A name often used in Portuguese-speaking countries and in contexts relating to herbal supplements.
• Annona muricata (n): The scientific (Latin) binomial name for the tree species.

Synonyms

• Soursop (n)
• Guanábana (n)
• Graviola (n)

Notes on Meaning

• The term "prickly custard apple" specifically refers to one species within the broader genus (custard apple family). It should not be confused with other, smoother-skinned varieties like the sugar apple () or cherimoya (), which are also sometimes called "custard apples" in a general sense. The word "prickly" in the name directly describes the fruit's spiny skin.

Noun

1. small tropical American tree bearing large succulent slightly acid fruit