Definition

Noun 1. A large citrus fruit: A pummelo is a very large, round or pear-shaped citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is the largest fruit in the citrus family, with a thick, pale green to yellow rind and sweet, mild, sometimes slightly bitter flesh that can range from pale yellow to pink or red. It is the principal ancestor of the grapefruit. 2. The tree that bears this fruit: A pummelo is also the name of the tropical tree (Citrus maxima or Citrus grandis) that produces this large fruit.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Fruit):

  • The pummelo is often eaten fresh, with its segments separated from the thick membrane.
  • She peeled the thick skin of the pummelo to reveal the juicy segments inside.
  • Compared to a grapefruit, a pummelo is milder and less acidic.

• Noun (Tree):

  • The pummelo tree in their garden was heavy with ripe fruit.
  • They planted a pummelo for its fragrant blossoms and delicious fruit.

Advanced Usage

• The word pummelo can be used in botanical or culinary contexts to specify the original species, distinguishing it from its hybrid descendant, the grapefruit.
  • The study focused on the genetic diversity of the pummelo (Citrus maxima) across its native range.

Variants and Related Words

• Pomelo: This is a common alternative spelling for pummelo. The two words are interchangeable.
• Shaddock: This is an older, less common name for the pummelo, derived from the name of an English sea captain who is said to have brought its seeds to the West Indies.
• Citrus maxima: The scientific (Latin) name for the pummelo tree and fruit.
• Grapefruit: A related citrus fruit that is a hybrid of the pummelo and the sweet orange.

Synonyms

• Pomelo (n): The direct synonym and alternative spelling.
• Chinese grapefruit (n): A descriptive name sometimes used in markets.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• Pummelo segment: Refers to an individual, membrane-enclosed section of the fruit's flesh.
• Pummelo rind/peel: Refers to the thick outer skin of the fruit, which is often candied.
• To peel a pummelo: The common action associated with preparing the fruit for eating.

Noun

1. southeastern Asian tree producing large fruits resembling grapefruits