Edit page | Page history | Printable version

pomegranate

1. (Science: botany) The fruit of the tree Punica granatum; also, the tree itself (see balaustine), which is native in the Orient, but is successfully cultivated in many warm countries, and as a house plant in colder climates. The fruit is as large as an orange, and has a hard rind containing many rather large seeds, each one separately covered with crimson, acid pulp.

2. A carved or embroidered ornament resembling a pomegranate.

Origin: OE. Pomgarnet, OF. Pome de grenate, F. Grenade, L. Pomum a fruit _ granatus grained, having many grains or seeds. See Pome, and Garnet, Grain.