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tomato

Origin: Sp. Or Pg. Tomate, of American Indian origin; cf. Mexican tomail.

(Science: botany) The fruit of a plant of the nightshade family (Lycopersicum esculentun); also, the plant itself. The fruit, which is called also love apple, is usually of a rounded, flattened form, but often irregular in shape. It is of a bright red or yellow colour, and is eaten either cooked or uncooked.

(Science: zoology) Tomato gall, the larva of a large hawk moth (sphinx, or Macrosila, quinquemaculata) which feeds upon the leaves of the tomato and potato plants, often doing considerable damage. Called also potato worm.