Apricot: meaning, definitions and examples

🍑

Add to dictionary

apricot

[ˈeɪ.prɪ.kɒt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fruit

An apricot is a small, yellow or orange fruit with a soft skin, juicy flesh, and a large stone inside.

Synonyms

fruit, peach, plum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
apricot	Use this word when you are talking specifically about the small, orange fruit that has a thin skin and is sweet with a slightly tart flavor. She bought some apricots at the farmer's market. I love the taste of dried apricots in my oatmeal.
fruit	This term is used in a general sense to refer to any edible product of a plant that contains seeds. It applies to a wide variety of sweet and savory flavors. Fruits are essential for a balanced diet. He added various fruits to his salad.
peach	Mention this word when referring to the larger, juicy fruit with a fuzzy skin that is sweet and fragrant. He ate a fresh peach for breakfast. Peach cobbler is one of my favorite desserts.
plum	Use 'plum' when discussing the smooth-skinned fruit that comes in various colors, often purple, and has a sweet to tart flavor. The plums were perfectly ripe and delicious. She made a plum jam to have with toast.

Examples of usage

She picked some ripe apricots from the tree.
I love the sweet taste of fresh apricots.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

color

Apricot is a pale yellowish-orange color.

Synonyms

orange, peach, salmon.

Examples of usage

She painted the walls in a lovely apricot shade.
The sunset had beautiful apricot hues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'armeniaca,' referring to its association with Armenia, which is believed to be where the fruit was first cultivated.
The Arabic word 'al-barquq' influenced the term in many languages including Spanish ('albaricoque') and Portuguese ('abricó').
In English, it entered the language during the 16th century, highlighting the fruit's growing popularity in Europe.

Culinary Uses

Apricots can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in cooking; they are often found in jams, jellies, and desserts.
In Middle Eastern cuisine, apricots are a common ingredient in tagines and pilafs, adding a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
Their delicate flavor makes apricots perfect for pairing with cheese and other fruits in gourmet platters.

Nutritional Facts

Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, which help support vision and boost the immune system.
They contain antioxidants such as beta-carotene that may protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Eating apricots can aid digestion due to their fiber content, promoting a healthy gut.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, apricots symbolize prosperity and are often featured in folklore and traditional songs.
During the summer harvest, festivals celebrating apricot picking can be found in many regions where they are grown, attracting visitors with food and art.
Apricots have a cherished place in Chinese culture, often associated with romance and good fortune.

Growing Conditions

Apricots thrive in warm, dry climates, which is why they are commonly grown in Mediterranean and California regions.
The trees require a chilling period in winter to produce fruit, which is why they are often planted in specific latitudes.
Good drainage is essential for apricot trees since they are sensitive to overly wet soil, which can lead to root rot.

Translations

Translations of the word "apricot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 damasco

🇮🇳 खुबानी

🇩🇪 Aprikose

🇮🇩 aprikot

🇺🇦 абрикос

🇵🇱 morela

🇯🇵 アンズ

🇫🇷 abricot

🇪🇸 albaricoque

🇹🇷 kayısı

🇰🇷 살구

🇸🇦 مشمش

🇨🇿 meruňka

🇸🇰 marhuľa

🇨🇳 杏

🇸🇮 marelica

🇮🇸 apríkósa

🇰🇿 өрік

🇬🇪 გარგარი

🇦🇿 ərik

🇲🇽 chabacano

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,584, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20581 cleaved
20582 elf
20583 refinancing
20584 apricot
20585 hematoma
20586 raking
20587 kinda
...