caimitillo
caimitillo Lexical Profile
• noun
North American A tropical and subtropical tree (Chrysophyllum oliviforme) of the family Sapotaceae, native to Florida, the Bahamas, and the Greater Antilles, characterized by striking leaves with a coppery-satin underside.
"The landscaper chose to plant a caimitillo in the courtyard to showcase its beautiful, dual-colored foliage."
North American The small, dark purple, and slightly gummy edible fruit produced by the satinleaf tree.
"While surveying the tropical hammock, the botanist noted that the caimitillos were ripe and attracting local bird species."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with the closely related 'caimito' (star apple); 'caimitillo' specifically refers to the smaller satinleaf tree and its diminutive fruit.
• Rhymes for caimitillo
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish 'caimitillo', a diminutive of 'caimito' (star apple), which originates from the Taíno language of the indigenous Caribbean.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.