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Definition of physalis

physalis

/ˈfaɪ.sə.lɪs/
phy · sa · lis
Plural:physalises
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physalis Lexical Profile

physalis Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any plant of the genus Physalis in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), native primarily to the Americas, bearing small, nodding, bell-shaped yellow or whitish flowers that develop inflated, papery lantern-like husks around the fruit.

Example

"Bright orange husks of ornamental physalis added a striking autumn accent to the dried floral arrangement."

2

The small, round, smooth, yellow-to-orange edible berry produced by certain species of the genus Physalis (especially Physalis peruviana, the Cape gooseberry), having a sweet-tart flavor and enclosed in a papery husk.

Example

"The pastry chef garnished the chocolate tart with a fresh physalis, peeling back its papery husk to reveal the glossy golden berry."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for physalis

• Nearby Words

phuopsis
phygelia
phylica
physalis
physocarpus
physostegia
phyteuma

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Physalis. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/physalis
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