Plum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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plum
[plʌm ]
Definition
fruit
A plum is a sweet fruit that is round and has a smooth skin. Plums are usually purple or red in color, but can also be yellow or green. They have a juicy flesh and a hard pit in the center.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
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| plum |
This word is most commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the specific type of fruit that is typically sweet and has a smooth skin. It's often used when discussing food, recipes, or gardening.
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| fruit |
This is a general term used to describe the edible product of a plant that contains seeds and can be sweet or savory. It's used in a wide range of contexts, from general conversation to scientific discussions.
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| stone fruit |
This term is used to describe fruits that have a large, hard pit or 'stone' inside. It is commonly used in culinary contexts and sometimes in agriculture. It is a more specific term than 'fruit' but less scientific than 'drupe'.
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| drupes |
This term is used in botanical or scientific contexts to refer to fruits that have a single large seed surrounded by a fleshy outer layer. It is less common in everyday conversation and is more likely to be found in academic texts or discussions about plant biology.
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Examples of usage
- I love eating fresh plums in the summer.
- She made a delicious plum jam from the plums in her garden.
- The plum tree in our backyard produces the most delicious fruit.
- Plums are often used in desserts like pies and tarts.
- Plums are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Uses
- Plums are used to make a variety of dishes like jams, jellies, and even savory sauces.
- Dried plums are known as prunes, valued for their digestive benefits and often recommended for good gut health.
Nutrition
- Rich in vitamins C and K, plums are great for supporting immune health and bone strength.
- Eating plums can help improve digestion, as they contain fiber and natural sorbitol.
Cultural Significance
- In Japanese culture, the plum blossom is celebrated as a symbol of perseverance and resilience.
- Plum wines, particularly from Asian countries, have a long history and are enjoyed for their unique flavors.
Fun Facts
- There are over 2,000 different varieties of plums worldwide, showcasing a rich diversity in taste and color.
- Plums are among the earliest fruits cultivated by humans, with evidence of their domestication dating back over 2000 years.
Origin of 'plum'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'plum' comes from the Old English word 'plūme,' which traces back to the Latin 'prunum.'
- In several languages, such as French ('prune') and Spanish ('ciruela'), the word for plum also highlights its ancient roots.
The word 'plum' originated from the Old English word 'plume' which referred to any fleshy fruit. It has been used to describe a variety of fruits over the centuries, including grapes, figs, and various other fruits. By the 17th century, the term 'plum' became more specific to the fruit we now know as the plum.
See also: plump.