star-apple

A ripe star-apple hangs from a branch.

Definition

Noun - A tropical evergreen tree (Chrysophyllum cainito) of the sapodilla family, or its edible fruit. The fruit is round, purple or greenish-yellow, with a sweet, milky pulp and a star-shaped pattern when cut crosswise.

Usage Examples

• (Referring to the tree itself.)
• (Referring to the fruit's distinctive cross-section.)

Advanced Usage

• "star-apple season": the time of year when star-apples are ripe and harvested.

  • During star-apple season, the market is full of these sweet fruits. (The period when star-apples are available.)

• "star-apple leaf": the leaf of the star-apple tree, which is glossy and golden-brown on the underside.

  • The star-apple leaf has a distinctive silky texture. (Describing the leaf's characteristic.)

Variants and Related Words

• Star-apple fruit (n): the fruit itself, distinct from the tree.

  • The star-apple fruit is often eaten fresh or used in desserts. (The edible product.)

• Star-apple tree (n): the tree that bears star-apples.

  • The star-apple tree can grow up to 20 meters tall. (The plant species.)

Synonyms

• Cainito: the scientific name for the star-apple tree and fruit, often used in botanical contexts.
• Milk fruit: a colloquial name referring to the fruit's milky sap.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms using "star-apple" in English; it is a specific botanical term.