papaya

pa·pa·ya

noun \pə-ˈpī-ə\

: a yellowish-green fruit with black seeds that grows on a tropical tree

Full Definition of PAPAYA

:  a tropical American tree (Carica papaya of the family Caricaceae, the papaya family) having an oblong to globose yellow edible fruit with numerous black seeds in a central cavity; also :  its fruit

Take a 2 minute break! Play our
fun, fast vocab game. »

Origin of PAPAYA

Spanish, of American Indian origin; akin to Arawak papáia papaya

First Known Use: 1598

Rhymes with PAPAYA

Aglaia, messiah, pariah, Thalia

pa·pa·ya

noun \pə-ˈpī-ə\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of PAPAYA

: a tropical American tree of the genus Carica (C. papaya) with large oblong yellow edible fruit; also : its fruit which is the source of papain

papaya

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Large palmlike plant (Carica papaya; family Caricaceae), cultivated throughout the tropics and warm subtropics, and its succulent juicy fruit. A popular breakfast fruit in many countries, it is also used in salads, pies, sherbets, juices, and confections. The juice of the unripe fruit contain an enzyme that is useful in various remedies for indigestion and in meat tenderizers.