Malay apple

noun

variants or less commonly Malaysian apple
: a medium to tall tropical tree (Syzygium malaccense synonym Eugenia malaccensis of the family Myrtaceae) that is native to Malaysia and has dark green glossy leaves with usually pinkish to purplish red flowers
also : its oblong to pear-shaped edible fruit with crisp slightly sweet flesh and red or sometimes white skin

Note: Both the tree and fruit are also called rose apple and mountain apple.

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Malay apple was in 1822

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Malay apple

Cite this Entry

“Malay apple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Malay%20apple. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!