Cherry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cherry
[หสงษri ]
Definitions
fruit
A small, round fruit that is typically red or black when ripe, often used in desserts or as a garnish.
Synonyms
berry, drupaceous fruit, fruit.
Examples of usage
- She picked a cherry from the tree and popped it into her mouth.
- The cherry on top of the cake added a burst of color.
color
A bright red or purplish-red color resembling ripe cherries.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She painted her nails with a vibrant cherry red polish.
- The sunset painted the sky in shades of cherry and orange.
informal
To eject the stone of a cherry by pressing down on it with the thumb or using a cherry pitter.
Synonyms
de-stone, pit, remove the pit.
Examples of usage
- She cherried the cherries before using them in the pie filling.
- He cherried the cherries with ease.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Cherry blossoms are celebrated during Hanami, a popular spring festival in Japan, attracting millions of tourists each year.
- In American pop culture, the cherry has often been associated with youth and innocence, frequently showcased in songs and films.
- The saying 'life is just a bowl of cherries' suggests that life should be sweet and enjoyable.
Nutrition
- Cherries are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
- They contain melatonin, a natural compound that can aid in better sleep.
- Eating cherries may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
History
- Cherries were cultivated in the Mediterranean region over 2,000 years ago and became a favorite among the Romans.
- The first cherry trees in the United States were planted by settlers in the early 1600s, particularly in Virginia.
- Washington, D.C. is known for its cherry blossom trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, symbolizing friendship.
Agriculture
- There are over 1,000 different varieties of cherries grown globally, with sweet and sour types being the most common.
- North America is one of the largest producers of cherries, particularly in states like Michigan and California.
- Cherries bloom early in the spring, and their blossoms can turn entire landscapes into beautiful pink and white scenes.
Origin of 'cherry'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old Northern French 'cherise', which itself came from the Latin 'cerasum'.
- The scientific name for cherry, 'Prunus avium', translates to 'sweet cherry' in Latin.
- In ancient Greece, cherries were called 'kerasos', leading to the modern name for the fruit.
The word 'cherry' originated from the Old English word 'cirice' which was borrowed from the Old North French 'cherise'. Cherries have been cultivated for thousands of years, with the wild ancestor of the cherry being traced back to regions of Europe and western Asia. Cherries have played roles in various cultures and cuisines, from being used in medicines to being a popular ingredient in desserts and drinks.