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Definition of kumquat

kumquat

/ˈkʌm.kwɑːt/
kum · quat
Plural:kumquats
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kumquat Lexical Profile

kumquat Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, edible citrus fruit native to East Asia, resembling an orange in color and shape but characterized by its sweet, edible rind and tart, acidic flesh.

Example

"She made a delicious, tangy marmalade using the fresh kumquats she bought at the farmer's market."

2

Any of several small, slow-growing evergreen shrubs or trees of the genus Citrus (formerly classified in the genus Fortunella) that bear small, tart orange fruits.

Example

"The ornamental kumquat growing in the terra cotta pot added a vibrant splash of green and orange to the sunlit patio."

• Nearby Words

kukri snake
kumasi
kumbaya
kumquat
kunchikal
kundong
kune falls

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Cantonese word 'kam kwat', literally translating to 'golden orange' or 'golden tangerine'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kumquat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kumquat
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