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guava

noun gua·va \ ˈgwä-və \
|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Definition of guava

1 : any of several tropical American shrubs or small trees (genus Psidium) of the myrtle family; especially : a shrubby tree (P. guajava) widely cultivated for its yellow-skined fruit with sweet acid yellow or pink flesh
2 : the roundish to pear-shaped fruit of a guava

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See guava defined for kids

Recent Examples of guava from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'guava.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

This is any of many trees and shrubs of a genus that is native to the New World tropics. The two important species are common guava and cattley, or strawberry, guava. The sweet pulp of the common guava fruit has a musky, sometimes pungent odor. The pulp of the strawberry guava fruit has a strawberry-like flavor. Guavas are processed into jams, jellies, and preserves. Fresh guavas are rich in vitamins A, B, and C. They are eaten raw, sliced, and are often served in desserts.

Origin and Etymology of guava

Spanish guaba, guayaba, perhaps from Taino

GUAVA Defined for English Language Learners

guava

noun

Definition of guava for English Language Learners

  • : the sweet yellow fruit of a tropical American tree

  • : a tree that produces guavas

GUAVA Defined for Kids

guava

noun gua·va \ ˈgwä-və \

Definition of guava for Students

: the sweet fruit of a tropical American tree that has yellow or pink pulp

Learn More about guava

  1. See words that rhyme with guava Spanish Central: Translation of guava Nglish: Translation of guava for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about guava

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