fruit

¹fruit

noun, often attributive \ˈfrüt\

Definition of FRUIT

1

a : a product of plant growth (as grain, vegetables, or cotton) <the fruits of the field> b (1) : the usually edible reproductive body of a seed plant; especially : one having a sweet pulp associated with the seed <the fruit of the tree> (2) : a succulent plant part (as the petioles of a rhubarb plant) used chiefly in a dessert or sweet course c : a dish, quantity, or diet of fruits <live on fruit> d : a product of fertilization in a plant with its modified envelopes or appendages; specifically : the ripened ovary of a seed plant and its contents e : the flavor or aroma of fresh fruit in mature wine

2

: offspring, progeny

3

a : the state of bearing fruit <a tree in fruit> b : the effect or consequence of an action or operation : product, result <the fruits of our labor>

4

usually disparaging : a male homosexual

— fruit·ed \ˈfrü-təd\ adjective

Examples of FRUIT

1. apples, oranges, and other fruits
2. <one fruit of your faithfulness in carrying out your duties will be more rewarding responsibilities>

Origin of FRUIT

Middle English, from Anglo-French frut, fruit, from Latin fructus fruit, use, from frui to enjoy, have the use of — more at brook

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to FRUIT

Synonyms: aftereffect, aftermath, backwash, child, conclusion, consequence, corollary, development, fate, effect, issue, outcome, outgrowth, precipitate, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot

Antonyms: antecedent, causation, cause, occasion, reason

Related Words: ramification; denouement (also dénouement), echo, implication, repercussion; afterclap, afterglow, aftershock; blowback, by-product, fallout, offshoot, ripple, side effect (also side reaction), spin-off

Near Antonyms: consideration, determinant, factor; base, basis, foundation, ground, groundwork; impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus; mother, origin, root, source, spring

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Rhymes with FRUIT

boot, bruit, brut, brute, bute, Bute, butte, chute, cloot, coot, cute, flute, glout, glute, hoot, jute, Jute, loot, lute, moot, mute, newt, pood, root, Root, rout, route, scoot, scute, shoot, snoot, soot, suit, suite, toot, tout, ut, Ute