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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

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 30 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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