Grape Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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grape
[ษกreษชp ]
Definition
fruit type
A grape is a small, round, smooth-skinned fruit that grows in bunches on vines. Grapes can be eaten fresh or used to make products like juice, wine, and raisins. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack option.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I bought a bunch of grapes from the store.
- She loves to eat grapes for a refreshing snack.
- Grapes are used to make the finest wines.
- Can you pass me some grapes for the picnic?
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Grapes have been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of wine production dating back to around 6000 BC in present-day Georgia.
- The ancient Egyptians used grapes to make wine, which was a popular drink among pharaohs and the wealthy.
- Grape seeds found in archaeological sites indicate that early humans were enjoying this fruit long before recorded history.
Nutrition
- Grapes contain a high amount of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage by harmful molecules called free radicals.
- Heart-healthy flavonoids found in grapes may help lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
- The high water content in grapes makes them a refreshing, hydrating snack, especially in hot weather.
Pop Culture
- Grapes are often featured in scenes that symbolize abundance and prosperity in various forms of art and literature.
- In 1976, an explosion of popularity in wines, especially from California, marked a significant moment in modern wine culture, mainly centered around grape production.
- The phrase 'sour grapes' originates from Aesop's fables, illustrating how people sometimes disparage what they cannot have.
Science
- Scientific classifications place grapes in the Vitaceae family, which includes other fruit-bearing vines.
- The fermentation process involving grapes is a fascinating combination of sugar and yeast, resulting in alcohol during winemaking.
- Some studies suggest that compounds in grapes may help improve memory and cognitive function.
Cultivation
- Grapes thrive in climates with warm summers and moderate winters, leading to vast vineyards found around the world, especially in Europe and California.
- The process of training grapevines is crucial for maximizing sunlight exposure and improving grape quality for wine production.
- Different grape varieties are bred for various purposes, such as table grapes for eating fresh or wine grapes for fermentation.
Origin of 'grape'
The word 'grape' comes from the Old French word 'grappe,' which means 'bunch of fruit.' This term likely derived from the Latin 'grappa,' meaning 'a bunch or cluster of grapes.' Grapes have a long history of cultivation and use, dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean region. They were valued not only for their taste but also for their ability to be fermented into wine, which played a significant role in various cultural and religious traditions throughout history. Over time, different varieties of grapes have been developed through selective breeding, leading to the diverse types we enjoy today.