Tangerine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tangerine

[หˆtรฆndส’ษ™riหn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

fruit

A tangerine is a small, citrus fruit that is easy to peel and has a sweet and tangy flavor. It is similar to an orange but smaller in size and usually easier to separate into segments.

Synonyms

clementine, mandarin, satsuma.

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Word Description / Examples
tangerine

Tangerines are often used to describe a type of small, sweet orange that is easy to peel. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking and desserts.

  • I love eating tangerines as a healthy snack.
  • She added tangerine slices to the salad for a burst of flavor.
mandarin

Mandarin is a general term for a group of small, easily peelable oranges, including tangerines, clementines, and satsumas. It can refer to any of these fruits in a broader sense.

  • During the holidays, we always have a bowl of mandarins on the table.
  • Mandarins are in season during the winter months.
clementine

Clementines are a variety of mandarin orange that is seedless and very easy to peel. They are popular as a convenient snack, especially for children.

  • Clementines are perfect for a lunchbox treat.
  • He grabbed a few clementines for the road trip.
satsuma

Satsumas are a specific type of mandarin orange that is known for its sweet taste and almost loose skin, making it very easy to peel. They are generally seedless and often come from Japan.

  • The satsuma orange is so juicy and sweet.
  • Satsumas are often included in fruit baskets during the holiday season.

Examples of usage

  • I love snacking on tangerines throughout the day.
  • She packed a few tangerines in her lunch for a refreshing snack.
  • The tangerine tree in the backyard is full of ripe fruits.
  • The tangerine juice is so refreshing on a hot summer day.
  • He added some tangerine zest to the salad for a burst of flavor.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultivation

  • Tangerines thrive in subtropical climates, requiring full sun and well-drained soil to produce juicy fruit.
  • Countries like China and Spain are known for their extensive cultivation of tangerines, supplying global markets.

Nutrition

  • Rich in vitamin C, tangerines help boost the immune system and improve skin health.
  • They are also a good source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, tangerines symbolize good luck and prosperity, especially during the Lunar New Year.
  • Tangerines are often featured in festive decorations and events, embodying joy and abundance.

Pop Culture

  • This fruit has been featured in various literature and songs, often representing freshness and zest for life.
  • Tangerine hues are popular in fashion and design, inspiring vibrant color palettes for products and interiors.

Origin of 'tangerine'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'tangerine' originates from 'Tangier', a port in Morocco, where the fruit was first imported to Europe.
  • Initially called 'tangerine orange', it later became simply known as 'tangerine' as it gained popularity.

The word 'tangerine' originated from the city of Tangier in Morocco, which was a major port for the export of citrus fruits. Tangerines are believed to have been cultivated in China for over 3,000 years and were later introduced to Europe and North America. The name 'tangerine' became popular in the 19th century to distinguish this particular type of citrus fruit.


See also: tang, tangent, tangible, tangle, tangy.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,891 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.