avocado

av·o·ca·do

noun \ˌä-və-ˈkä-(ˌ)dō, ˌa-\

plural av·o·ca·dos also av·o·ca·does

Definition of AVOCADO

1

: a pulpy green- to purple-skinned nutty-flavored fruit of any of various tropical American trees (genus Persea especially P. americana) of the laurel family; also : a tree bearing avocados

2

: a light yellowish green

Illustration of AVOCADO

Origin of AVOCADO

modification of Spanish aguacate, from Nahuatl āhuacatl avocado, testicle

First Known Use: 1697

Rhymes with AVOCADO

bastinado, carbonado

avocado

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Avocado (Persea americana).—S.A. Scibor/Shostal Associates

Fruit of Persea americana, of the laurel family, a tree native to the Western Hemisphere from Mexico south to the Andean regions. Avocados are extremely variable in shape, size, and colour (green to dark purple). The outer skin may be thin, or coarse and woody. The greenish or yellowish flesh has a buttery consistency and a rich, nutty flavour. In some varieties the flesh contains as much as 25% unsaturated oil. Avocados are the principal ingredient of the Mexican sauce guacamole. They provide thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin A.