kumquat

[ kuhm-kwot ]

noun

1. a small, round or oblong citrus fruit having a sweet rind and acid pulp, used chiefly for preserves.
2. any of several citrus shrubs of the genus Fortunella, native to China, that bear this fruit.

kumquat

/ ˈkʌmkwɒt /

noun

1. any of several small Chinese trees of the rutaceous genus Fortunella
2. the small round orange fruit of such a tree, with a sweet rind, used in preserves and confections

Word History and Origins

Origin of kumquat¹

First recorded in 1865–70; from dialectal Chinese (Guangdong) gāmgwāt “gold citrus fruit,” akin to Chinese jīnjù

Word History and Origins

Origin of kumquat¹

C17: from Chinese (Cantonese) kam kwat, representing Mandarin Chinese chin chü golden orange

Example Sentences

Holding on to his two wooden planks, he sits among kumquat and lime trees.

From Los Angeles Times

There are kumquats and lemons growing in the backyard, which she likes.

From Los Angeles Times

She also brings kumquats from two trees in her backyard.

From Los Angeles Times

The citrus trees at C&S Nursery in Baldwin Hills would normally be full of passionfruit, kumquats and other fruits this time of year.

From Los Angeles Times

Persimmons, grapefruit, kumquats and perhaps the most delectable and elusive of all the mandarins: the tiny, seedless kishus — all of these little lovelies thrive in our climate.

From Salon