crabapple
crabapple Lexical Profile
crabapple Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small wild or cultivated tree of the genus Malus, native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, widely grown for its decorative spring blossoms and fruit.
"The neighborhood association planted a row of pink-flowering crabapples along the avenue to celebrate the arrival of spring."
The small, highly acidic and tart fruit of the crabapple tree, which is high in pectin and frequently used to make jellies, preserves, or cider rather than being eaten raw.
"After the first autumn frost, she gathered a large basket of crabapples to make her grandmother's famous spiced jelly."
An irritable, ill-tempered, or chronically complaining person.
"Try not to be such a crabapple just because we have to wake up early for the road trip."
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Middle English 'crabbe' (referring to the wild apple, likely of Scandinavian origin, akin to Swedish 'krabbäpple') combined with 'apple'. Its figurative use for a sour-tempered person emerged from the tart, astringent flavor of the fruit.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.