grapefruit
(ˈgreɪpfruːt)
Also grape-fruit.
[f. grape n.1 + fruit n.; so called because it grows in clusters.]
The globular fruit of Citrus paradisi, having a yellow skin and pale yellow (occas. pink), juicy, acid pulp. Also attrib. and Comb., as grapefruit cocktail, grapefruit juice, grapefruit knife, grapefruit marmalade.
| 1814 J. Lunan Hortus Jamaicensis II. 171 The shaddock was originally regarded by Linneus as only a variety of the orange... There is a variety known by the name of grape-fruit, on account of its resemblance in flavour to the grape; this fruit is not near so large as the shaddock. 1859 Bartlett Dict. Amer., Grape Fruit, a variety of Citrus racemosus. Barbadoes. 1885 A. Brassey The Trades 305 ‘Grape-fruit’..It looks and tastes much like a shaddock..it does not bear the slightest resemblance to a grape. 1904 Daily Chron. 4 May 10/5 The grapefruit, which is gradually growing in popularity in England. 1911 ‘M. Ronald’ Century Cook Bk. Suppl. 600 Grape-fruit marmalade. 1926–7 Army & Navy Stores Catal. 581/3 Grape Fruit Knife..Grape Fruit Spoon..Grape Fruit Fork. |
| 1930 J. Cannan No Walls of Jasper vii. 125 She bought some grape fruit for dinner. 1934 R. Stout Fer-de-Lance v. 67 I'll have grapefruit juice. 1935 M. Morphy Recipes of all Nations 598 (heading) Crab and grapefruit cocktail. c 1938 Fortnum & Mason Catal. 65/2 Knives..Grape Fruit, English—each 3/-. 1959 J. Braine Vodi vii. 108 ‘Have a drink with me. Gin-and-orange?’..‘Thanks very much, I'll have a grapefruit juice if you don't mind.’ 1967 K. Giles Death & Mr Prettyman viii. 145 Breakfast in bed..kidneys and her grapefruit marmalade. 1967 Listener 12 Jan. 53/1 Modern hotels (complete with..grapefruit cocktails, and roast lamb). |