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Chokecherry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chokecherry

[หˆtสƒoสŠkหŒtสƒษ›ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

plant, fruit

Chokecherry refers to a small, dark red or black fruit of the Prunus virginiana tree, which is native to North America. These cherries are known for their astringent taste, often causing a choking sensation when eaten raw. They are commonly used in jams, jellies, and other culinary applications.

Synonyms

Prunus virginiana, black cherry, wild cherry.

Examples of usage

  • She made chokecherry jam for the first time.
  • The chokecherry trees bloomed beautifully this spring.
  • He warned us to not eat the chokecherries raw.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Native American tribes have used chokecherries for centuries, crafting them into food, medicine, and even dyes.
  • In some regions, chokecherries were traditionally used to make wine and alcoholic beverages.

Nutrition

  • Chokecherries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
  • They contain high levels of vitamin C, promoting a healthy immune system.

Culinary Uses

  • Although chokecherries are often too astringent to eat raw, they are popular for making jellies, syrups, and sauces.
  • Some people cook the berries down and mix them with sugar to create tasty desserts or fruit spreads.

Ecology

  • Chokecherry trees are important in their ecosystems, providing food for various birds and wildlife.
  • They flourish in diverse habitats, often thriving in areas with poor soil where other trees may struggle.

Origin of 'chokecherry'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'chokecherry' reflects the fruit's taste, as it can be quite bitter or sour, making some people pucker, or 'choke,' on it.
  • This fruit is native to North America and belongs to the genus Prunus, which also includes cherries and plums.

The term 'chokecherry' originates from the combination of the words 'choke' and 'cherry'. The word 'choke' stems from the Old English 'cacan' which means to choke or suffocate, referring to the berries' astringent taste that can cause discomfort if consumed in large quantities. The 'cherry' part comes from the Latin word 'cerasum', which denotes fruit from the cherry tree. Native Americans were among the first to use chokecherries as a food source, and they played a significant role in the culture and diet of several tribes. The berries were often dried or made into paste for preservation, demonstrating the practical use of the chokecherry in traditional diets. The name 'chokecherry' has been widely adopted since the early 19th century as awareness of the fruit spread among European settlers in North America.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,955, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.